Alabama Hardship License After DUI
Alabama requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteAlabama at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Alabama
Alabama operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages in an accident. After a DUI conviction, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency requires continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years to reinstate your license. Any lapse in coverage triggers immediate suspension and restarts the 3-year clock.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate Filing
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Ignition Interlock Device Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Alabama
$199–$345/mo
Typical monthly rate in Alabama, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Hardship Driver License (Class D, limited privileges)
application fee $36.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to carry SR-22 insurance after a DUI in Alabama?
Alabama requires continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date your license is reinstated, not from the conviction date. If your insurance lapses for any reason during those 3 years, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency suspends your license immediately and the 3-year clock resets to zero.
Can I get a hardship license immediately after a DUI in Alabama?
No. Alabama imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period for first-offense DUI before you can petition for a Limited Driving Permit. Second-offense DUI carries a 1-year wait, and third-offense or felony DUI disqualifies you from hardship relief entirely.
Does Alabama accept FR-44 filing instead of SR-22?
No. Alabama requires SR-22 filing only — FR-44 is specific to Florida and Virginia. If you move to Alabama from Florida or Virginia with an active FR-44 requirement, you must obtain Alabama SR-22 filing and maintain both filings until the original state releases you.
Can I get a Limited Driving Permit for work only in Alabama?
Alabama's Limited Driving Permit allows travel to employment, school, medical appointments, court-ordered DUI programs, and ignition interlock monitoring appointments. The permit specifies approved routes and hours — deviation from approved purposes violates the permit and triggers immediate revocation.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Proof-of-insurance certificate filed by your carrier to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Required for 3 years after DUI conviction.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to reinstate license eligibility.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Non-standard carrier coverage for drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations, or lapsed coverage history.
Ignition Interlock Coverage
Insurance coverage that extends to ignition interlock device installation, calibration, and monitoring during restricted driving permit periods.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver without insurance or a hit-and-run driver.