Call the Kentucky Department of Transportation Driver Licensing Branch

The Kentucky Department of Transportation (KDOT) Driver Licensing Branch handles all license suspensions in the state. You can reach them at 502-564-6800. This is the main number for questions about why your license was suspended, what you need to do to restore it, and how long the suspension lasts.

When you call, have your driver's license number ready. The staff can tell you the specific reason for your suspension — whether it's unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another cause. Each reason has different steps to get your license back, so knowing the exact cause is your first step.

KDOT's Driver Licensing Branch is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, you can also visit a KDOT Regional Office in person — there are locations across Kentucky, and staff can look up your suspension status on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Call KDOT Driver Licensing at 502-564-6800 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps restore it.
  • Different suspension reasons require different actions — unpaid fines, court appearances, DUI programs, or point reductions each have their own process.
  • You will need to complete whatever action caused the suspension (pay fines, attend court, finish a DUI program) before KDOT will lift it.
  • Once you have completed the required action, contact KDOT again to request reinstatement and pay any reinstatement fee if one applies.
  • If you cannot reach KDOT by phone, visit a Regional Office in person during business hours for when ready status information.

Find Your Suspension Reason and What It Requires

Kentucky suspends licenses for several reasons, and each one has a different path to reinstatement. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, DUI or drug-related convictions, and failure to maintain insurance. When you call KDOT, they will tell you which one applies to you.

If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay what you owe to the court that issued the ticket. KDOT cannot lift the suspension until the court confirms payment. If it is for failure to appear, you must go to that court and resolve the case — either by appearing, paying, or working out a payment plan with the prosecutor.

If you have accumulated too many points (typically 12 or more in 24 months), you may be able to reduce them by taking a defensive driving course. Some suspensions for DUI or drug-related offenses require completion of a substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible. Ask KDOT which requirement applies to your suspension so you know exactly what to do next.

Locate a KDOT Regional Office Near You

If you prefer to handle this in person rather than by phone, KDOT has Regional Offices throughout Kentucky. You can find the office closest to you on the KDOT website under "Driver Licensing" or by calling 502-564-6800 and asking for the nearest location. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to wait — offices can be busy during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Regional Office staff can look up your suspension status when ready, explain your reinstatement options, and in some cases process paperwork on the spot. If you need to pay a reinstatement fee, most offices accept cash, check, or card. This in-person route often takes less time than waiting on the phone, especially if you have a straightforward suspension reason.

Pay Fines or Resolve Court Issues

If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines or a court case, you cannot straightforward call KDOT and have it lifted. You must first resolve the underlying issue with the court. Contact the district court or circuit court in the county where your ticket was issued — the court clerk can tell you exactly what you owe and accept payment over the phone or in person.

Once the court confirms that you have paid or resolved the case, they will notify KDOT automatically. This can take a few business days. You do not need to call KDOT again unless the suspension remains after a week — at that point, call back and ask them to check whether the court's notification has been processed.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court clerk about a payment plan. Many Kentucky courts will work with you on installments, and your license can sometimes be reinstated once you have made the first payment and committed to a plan. This varies by court, so ask specifically.

Complete Required Programs or Courses

Some suspensions require you to finish a program before reinstatement. DUI suspensions often require a substance abuse assessment and completion of an education or treatment program. Point-based suspensions may be reduced by taking a defensive driving course approved by Kentucky. Ask KDOT which program you need and whether they have a list of approved providers.

Once you have completed the program, you will receive a certificate or completion letter. Keep this document — you will need to show it to KDOT when you request reinstatement. Some programs send completion notices directly to KDOT, but it is safer to have your own copy to bring with you.

Request Reinstatement and Pay Any Fees

After you have completed whatever action caused your suspension, contact KDOT again to request reinstatement. You can do this by phone at 502-564-6800, by mail, or in person at a Regional Office. Have your driver's license number ready and be prepared to provide proof that you have met the reinstatement requirements — paid fines, completed a program, or resolved a court case.

Kentucky charges a reinstatement fee in most cases. The amount varies depending on the reason for suspension, but typically ranges from $50 to $100. Ask KDOT what the fee is for your specific suspension before you request reinstatement so you know what to bring. You can usually pay by cash, check, or card at a Regional Office, or by check if you are requesting reinstatement by mail.

After you have paid the fee and submitted proof of completion, KDOT will process your reinstatement. This usually takes a few business days. Your license will be restored once the process is complete, and you will be notified by mail or phone depending on how you submitted your request.

Understand Hardship Driving Privileges

While your license is suspended, you may be able to get a hardship driving privilege that allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. This is not a full license, but it lets you drive for essential purposes only. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for hardship privileges — DUI suspensions typically do not, but suspensions for unpaid fines or points sometimes do.

Ask KDOT whether you are may be able to access for a hardship privilege when you call about your suspension. If you are, they can tell you what documents you need to bring to a Regional Office to request one. You will usually need proof of employment or school enrollment, proof of the hardship, and payment of a fee. The hardship privilege is temporary and lasts only until your full reinstatement is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Kentucky license suspension last?

The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or court cases last until you pay or resolve the case. Point-based suspensions typically last 6 months to a year. DUI suspensions last longer — usually 6 months to 3 years depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense. KDOT will tell you the exact duration when you call.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a hardship privilege?

A hardship privilege allows you to drive only for specific purposes — work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. Driving for any other reason, or driving outside the times listed on your privilege, is illegal and can result in additional charges. Use it only as permitted.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to fix my Kentucky suspension?

Yes. A Kentucky suspension follows your driving record nationwide. If you are stopped in another state, law enforcement will see the suspension. You will need to resolve it with Kentucky before you can get a license in your new state. Contact KDOT to find out what steps you need to take from out of state.

How do I check my suspension status without calling?

KDOT does not offer online suspension lookup for the public. You must call 502-564-6800 or visit a Regional Office in person. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

What if I disagree with the reason for my suspension?

If you believe your suspension is an error, ask KDOT to review your case when you call. They can explain the reason in detail and tell you what documentation supports it. If you still disagree, ask about the process to contest it — this usually involves a hearing before a KDOT administrative officer.