Kansas charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license, and the amount depends on why your license was suspended
When the Kansas Department of Revenue suspends your driver's license, you cannot legally drive until you meet the conditions for reinstatement. Part of that process almost always involves paying a fee — but the fee itself is not the only cost you face. You also need to address whatever caused the suspension in the first place, whether that is unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a medical condition.
The reinstatement fee for a standard suspension is $100. However, if your license was suspended for a serious violation — such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points — the fee may be higher. Some suspensions also carry additional requirements beyond the fee, such as completing a defensive driving course or installing an ignition interlock device.
The process itself takes time. After you pay the fee and meet all other reinstatement conditions, the Kansas Department of Revenue processes your request, which can take several business days. You cannot straightforward pay online and drive the next day.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas charges a $100 reinstatement fee for most license suspensions, though serious violations may cost more.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension — such as paying traffic fines or child support — before reinstatement is possible.
- Processing your reinstatement request takes several business days after you submit payment and documentation.
- You can check your suspension status and the specific conditions for reinstatement through the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by calling their driver services line.
Why your license was suspended determines what you owe
Kansas suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason matters for both the fee and what else you must do. The most common causes are unpaid traffic citations, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, failure to pay child support, and driving under the influence convictions.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts before the reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fee itself — $100 for a standard suspension — comes after. If your suspension is tied to child support arrears, you cannot reinstate until you have made arrangements with the Kansas Department for Children and Families or paid the amount owed.
For suspensions related to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, the fee may be higher than $100, and you may also be required to complete a substance abuse evaluation or install an ignition interlock device. These additional requirements add both time and money to the reinstatement process.
How to find out why your license is suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. The Kansas Department of Revenue maintains your driving record and suspension status. You can check this information online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, or you can call their driver services line at 785-296-3671.
When you contact them, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. They will tell you the reason for suspension, the date it took effect, and what conditions must be met for reinstatement. This is also when you learn whether the standard $100 fee applies or whether your suspension carries a higher fee.
If you were not notified of the suspension when it occurred, this step is especially important. Some suspensions happen quietly — for example, if child support payments fall behind, the suspension may take effect without a separate notice in the mail.
Steps to reinstate your license
Reinstatement follows a specific order. First, resolve the underlying cause of suspension. If it was unpaid fines, pay them to the court that issued the citation. If it was child support, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families or the court handling your case. If it was a medical suspension, obtain the required medical clearance from your doctor.
Second, submit your reinstatement request to the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can do this by mail, in person at a driver's license office, or online if your suspension allows it. Include the $100 reinstatement fee (or the higher amount if applicable) and proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — such as a receipt showing fines paid, or a letter from the child support office confirming your account is current.
Third, wait for processing. The Kansas Department of Revenue typically processes reinstatement requests within five to ten business days. During this time, your license remains suspended. Once approved, your license status is restored in their system, and you can legally drive again.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Kansas. A first offense is a misdemeanor, and you can face fines up to $500, jail time up to 30 days, or both. A second offense within five years carries higher penalties, including potential jail time up to six months and fines up to $1,000.
Beyond the legal consequences, driving on a suspended license creates a new problem: your insurance will not cover any accident or damage you cause. If you are stopped and cited, the citation itself adds to your driving record and can lead to a longer suspension or higher reinstatement fees in the future.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, some suspensions allow for a restricted license or work permit. Ask the Kansas Department of Revenue whether your suspension qualifies when you call to check your status.
Additional costs beyond the reinstatement fee
The $100 reinstatement fee is only one part of what reinstatement costs. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you owe those fines in full. If it was due to child support arrears, you owe back payments. If a DUI led to suspension, you may need to pay for a substance abuse evaluation, which typically costs $200 to $500 depending on the provider.
An ignition interlock device, required for some DUI suspensions, costs money to install and a monthly fee to maintain — usually $60 to $100 per month. If you need a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record, that course costs between $50 and $150 depending on the provider.
Some people also need to obtain a new physical license card if theirs expired during the suspension period. A replacement license costs $20 in Kansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a work permit while my license is suspended?
Kansas allows a work permit or restricted license for some suspensions, but not all. Suspensions for DUI or reckless driving typically do not may have access to. Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to ask whether your specific suspension allows a work permit.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right now?
The Kansas Department of Revenue does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan for those amounts. Contact the court or the child support office to discuss options.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit everything?
Processing typically takes five to ten business days after the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your complete reinstatement request and fee. Weekends and holidays extend this timeline. You will receive written confirmation once your license is reinstated.
Do I need to take a driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. However, if your license expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it, which may include a vision test but not a full driving test.
Will reinstatement remove points from my driving record?
Reinstatement restores your driving privileges but does not erase points or violations from your record. Points remain on your record for a set period depending on the violation. A defensive driving course can reduce points, but that is separate from reinstatement.