What a reinstatement fee is and why Kansas charges one
When Kansas suspends your driver's license, you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends. A reinstatement fee is the money you must pay to the Kansas Department of Revenue to restore your driving privileges after that suspension period is over. It is separate from any fines, court costs, or other penalties you may owe — it exists solely to reactivate your license.
Kansas charges reinstatement fees because the state uses them to cover administrative costs of processing your case and updating their records. The fee amount depends on why your license was suspended in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement fees in Kansas range from $100 to $500 depending on the reason for suspension, with DUI suspensions typically costing the most.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee before the Kansas Department of Revenue will restore your license, even after your suspension period ends.
- Some suspensions require additional steps beyond paying the fee, such as installing an ignition interlock device or completing a substance abuse program.
- If you cannot pay the full fee at once, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers.
Reinstatement fee amounts by suspension reason
The fee you owe depends on what caused your suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets costs less than a suspension for driving under the influence. Here are the main categories:
| Reason for Suspension | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or court costs | $100 |
| Accumulation of points (too many violations) | $100 |
| Failure to appear in court | $100 |
| DUI or DWI conviction | $500 |
| Reckless driving | $250 |
| Habitual traffic offender status | $500 |
These amounts can change, so confirm the exact fee with the Kansas Department of Revenue before you send payment. If your suspension resulted from multiple violations, you may owe more than one fee.
Steps to pay your reinstatement fee and restore your license
Once your suspension period has ended, you can begin the reinstatement process. First, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver's License Bureau to confirm that your suspension period is actually over and to verify the exact amount you owe. You can reach them by phone at 785-296-3671 or visit their office in Topeka.
Next, submit payment. Kansas accepts checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. You can pay by mail, in person at a Driver's License office, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Keep your payment receipt — you will need proof that you paid.
After the department processes your payment, they will mail you a new license or a reinstatement document. This usually takes one to two weeks. You cannot drive legally until you receive this document or your new license arrives.
Additional requirements beyond the fee
Paying the reinstatement fee alone may not be enough. Depending on your suspension reason, Kansas may require you to complete other steps before your license is restored.
If your suspension was for DUI or DWI, you must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You also may need to complete a substance abuse education program or counseling. The court or the Department of Revenue will tell you which programs are approved in your area.
If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may need to pass a written knowledge test or a driving skills test before your license is restored. The department will notify you of this requirement when you contact them about reinstatement.
What happens if you cannot pay the fee right away
If you do not have the full amount when your suspension period ends, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue directly. Some offices work with drivers on a case-by-case basis to set up payment plans, though this is not may provide.
Explain your situation honestly. If you are facing genuine hardship, ask whether a payment plan is possible. Even if the department cannot waive the fee, breaking it into smaller payments may be more manageable than paying it all at once.
Do not drive without a valid license while waiting to pay. Driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties, fines, and an additional suspension on top of your current one.
How to check your suspension status before paying
Before you send any money, verify that your suspension period has actually ended. If you pay the reinstatement fee while your suspension is still active, you will lose that money and still have to wait out the rest of the suspension period.
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the exact date your suspension ends and confirm the reinstatement fee amount. You can also visit a Driver's License office in person to check your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my reinstatement fee is processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until the Kansas Department of Revenue confirms that your fee has been received and processed. Driving during this waiting period counts as driving on a suspended license, which is a criminal offense in Kansas.
What if I lost my receipt for the reinstatement fee payment?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue with your driver's license number and the date you paid. They can look up your payment in their system and confirm it was received. Request written confirmation if you need it for your records.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I move out of Kansas?
If you no longer live in Kansas and do not plan to drive there, you do not have to pay. However, if you ever want to reinstate your Kansas license or drive in Kansas again, you will owe the fee plus any additional penalties that may have accumulated.
Can the reinstatement fee be waived or reduced?
Waivers are rare and typically only granted in cases of documented financial hardship or administrative error. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to discuss your specific situation. They may be able to offer a payment plan instead.
What if I paid the fee but my license still hasn't arrived?
Processing usually takes one to two weeks. If more than three weeks have passed, call the Driver's License Bureau at 785-296-3671 to check on your status. Provide your payment receipt and driver's license number so they can locate your case.