What happens when your license is suspended in Kansas
A suspended license in Kansas means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period. The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, is the agency that suspends licenses and the same agency that handles reinstatement.
Suspensions are different from revocations. A suspension is temporary — it has an end date. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal process to get it overturned. Most suspensions in Kansas last between 30 days and one year, depending on the reason.
The most common reasons for suspension in Wichita and across Kansas are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, driving under the influence (DUI), and failure to maintain car insurance. Child support arrears and unpaid court costs can also trigger a suspension.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and when you can reinstate it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support before reinstatement is possible.
- After paying what is owed, you may need to file a reinstatement form and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before you can drive again.
- You can contact the Division of Vehicles by phone, mail, or in person at their Wichita office to start the reinstatement process.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason it was suspended. Kansas does not always send notice by mail, and sometimes notices go to an old address. The fastest way to find out is to contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, directly.
Call the Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3671. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. The staff can tell you the suspension reason, the suspension start date, and when it will end if you do nothing. They can also tell you what steps you must take to reinstate before that date arrives.
You can also visit the Division of Vehicles office in Wichita in person. The office is located at 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Going in person means you can sometimes complete part of the reinstatement process the same day.
Paying fines, court costs, and other debts
Most suspensions require you to pay money before reinstatement is possible. This might be unpaid traffic fines, court costs from a traffic case, or child support arrears. You cannot reinstate your license until these debts are resolved.
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the Sedgwick County District Court traffic division at 316-660-1860. They can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment over the phone by credit card or debit card. You can also pay in person at the courthouse, located at 525 N. Main Street, Wichita, KS 67203.
If your suspension is due to child support arrears, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Child Support Enforcement office. The Wichita office number is 316-660-1500. They will tell you the amount owed and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready.
Keep a record of any payment you make — a receipt, confirmation number, or bank statement showing the transaction. You will need proof that the debt was paid when you file for reinstatement.
Completing required programs or courses
Depending on the reason for suspension, Kansas may require you to complete a defensive driving course, substance abuse treatment, or an alcohol education program before reinstatement is allowed.
If your suspension was due to a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, you will almost certainly need to complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment. The Division of Vehicles maintains a list of approved providers. Call 785-296-3671 and ask for the list of approved substance abuse programs in the Wichita area.
If your suspension was due to accumulating too many traffic violation points, you may be required to take a defensive driving course. These courses are offered online and in person throughout Wichita. The course typically takes four to eight hours and costs between $20 and $50. Once you complete it, you receive a certificate of completion, which you will need to submit with your reinstatement request.
Do not skip this step. If a program is required and you do not complete it, the Division of Vehicles will not reinstate your license, even if you have paid all fines and fees.
Filing for reinstatement with the Division of Vehicles
Once you have paid all debts and completed any required programs, you are ready to file for reinstatement. You have three options: mail, phone, or in person.
By mail: Send a letter to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Attach copies of proof that you have paid all fines and completed all required programs. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but is typically between $50 and $100. Mail takes one to two weeks.
By phone: Call 785-296-3671 and tell the staff member you are ready to reinstate. They can walk you through payment by credit card or debit card over the phone. However, you will still need to mail in copies of proof that you completed any required programs. Ask the staff member for the mailing address and what documents to include.
In person: Visit the Division of Vehicles office at 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Bring your driver's license or state ID, proof of payment for all fines and costs, certificates of completion for any required programs, and payment for the reinstatement fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person reinstatement is usually processed the same day.
What to expect after you file for reinstatement
If you file by mail or phone, the Division of Vehicles typically processes reinstatement requests within five to ten business days. If you file in person, your license status may be updated the same day, though you should not assume this — ask the staff member before you leave the office.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new physical license in the mail within two to three weeks. Until it arrives, you can drive legally if your suspension has been lifted. The Division of Vehicles can provide you with a letter stating that your license has been reinstated, which you can carry as proof if you are stopped by police.
If your reinstatement is denied, the Division of Vehicles will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment, failure to complete a required program, or a new violation that occurred while your license was suspended. If you receive a denial letter, contact the Division of Vehicles to find out what additional steps are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Kansas and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested. If your suspension is due to a DUI, the penalties for driving while suspended are especially severe.
How long does reinstatement take?
If you file in person and have all required documents and payment ready, reinstatement can happen the same day. If you file by mail or phone, allow five to ten business days for processing. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks after reinstatement is approved.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right now?
Contact the Sedgwick County District Court or the Kansas Department for Children and Families (depending on whether the debt is fines or child support) and ask about a payment plan. Some courts and agencies will set up a plan that allows you to pay in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, ask whether you can reinstate your license while making payments, or whether you must pay in full first.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and does not require legal representation. However, if your suspension was due to a DUI or criminal charge, you may want to consult with a lawyer about your options, especially if you believe the suspension was issued in error.
What if I moved out of Kansas after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Kansas license by mail or phone, even if you no longer live in the state. Follow the same process: contact the Division of Vehicles to find out what is owed, pay any debts, complete any required programs, and file for reinstatement by mail or phone. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Division of Vehicles.