Getting Your Kansas License Back After Suspension
To reinstate a suspended Kansas driver's license, you must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau, pay any reinstatement fees, and resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place. The process takes two to four weeks once you submit everything, but you cannot drive legally until your license is actually reinstated — not while your paperwork is pending.
The reason your license was suspended matters, because different suspensions require different steps. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines is handled differently than one for failing a drug test or accumulating too many points. Kansas groups suspensions into categories, and you need to know which one applies to you before you contact the state.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Driver Control Bureau at 785-296-3671 to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatement fees in Kansas are between $100 and $200, depending on the reason for suspension, and must be paid before your license is restored.
- If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must pay those debts first or set up a payment plan with the appropriate agency.
- If your suspension was for DUI-related reasons, you may need to install an ignition interlock device and provide proof of installation before reinstatement.
- Once you submit all required documents and fees, check your status online at the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call the Driver Control Bureau again after two weeks.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Control Bureau at 785-296-3671 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to fix it.
Kansas suspends licenses for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, accumulating too many points on your driving record, failing to pay child support, DUI convictions, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement path. Write down everything the staff member tells you, including any case numbers, important date, or documents you need to gather.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, you can also check your suspension status online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Go to the Driver Control section and enter your information. The online system will show the suspension reason, but it may not explain what you need to do next — a phone call is usually faster.
Pay Fines, Child Support, or Other Debts
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay them or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment over the phone or by mail.
If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Family Services or the local child support enforcement office in your county. They can accept payment or arrange a payment plan. Once you have paid or arranged payments, ask for written confirmation and keep it — you will need to show this to the Driver Control Bureau.
If your suspension is for unpaid insurance-related fines or other debts to the state, the Driver Control Bureau will tell you which agency to contact. Do not assume you can pay the reinstatement fee and skip the underlying debt. The state will not reinstate your license until the original reason for suspension is resolved.
Handle DUI-Related Suspensions and Ignition Interlock Requirements
If your suspension followed a DUI arrest or conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device before your license can be reinstated. This device prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Kansas requires ignition interlock for most DUI cases, though the length of time you must use it depends on whether this is your first offense and the specifics of your case.
Contact an ignition interlock service provider approved by Kansas. The Driver Control Bureau can give you a list of approved vendors. You will need to pay for installation (typically $50 to $150) and monthly monitoring fees (usually $60 to $100). Once the device is installed, the provider will give you a certificate of installation.
Bring this certificate to the Driver Control Bureau along with your reinstatement fee and any other required documents. If you do not install the device when required, your suspension will not be lifted, and you may face additional penalties.
Gather and Submit Your Reinstatement Documents
The documents you need depend on your suspension reason, but most people need: proof that the underlying problem is resolved (paid fines, child support arrangement, insurance proof, or ignition interlock certificate), a completed reinstatement form from the Kansas Department of Revenue, and payment for the reinstatement fee.
You can submit your reinstatement request by mail, in person, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Mailing takes longer — plan for five to seven business days for the mail to arrive, plus two to three weeks for processing. In-person submission at a Driver Control office is faster if you live near one. Online submission, if your situation qualifies, can be processed within two weeks.
The reinstatement fee varies: it is typically $100 to $200 depending on the suspension reason. Some suspensions have higher fees. The Driver Control Bureau will tell you the exact amount when you call. Pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which method you use to submit (online submissions accept credit cards; mail submissions should include a check or money order).
Track Your Reinstatement Status
After you submit your reinstatement request, wait at least two weeks before checking on it. You can call the Driver Control Bureau again at 785-296-3671 and provide your driver's license number or case number. They will tell you whether your request is still being processed or whether your license has been reinstated.
You can also check online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The status page updates as your request moves through the system. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not heard anything, call the Driver Control Bureau to make sure your documents arrived and nothing is missing.
Once your license is reinstated, you should receive a new physical license in the mail within one to two weeks. Until you receive it, you can print your online reinstatement confirmation and carry it with you as proof that your suspension has been lifted. Some police officers will accept this; others may not, so avoid driving if possible until your new card arrives.
What to Do If Your Reinstatement Is Denied
If the Driver Control Bureau denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include incomplete paperwork, unpaid debts you missed, or failure to meet a requirement (like ignition interlock installation). Read the denial letter carefully and call the Driver Control Bureau to ask what you can do to fix it.
You may be able to resubmit your request once you have resolved the issue. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing before the Kansas Department of Revenue. The denial letter will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so — typically 30 days from the date of the letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Driver Control Bureau officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Two to four weeks from the date you submit all required documents and fees, depending on how you submit (mail is slower than in-person or online). If you are missing any documents, the process will take longer. Call after two weeks to check your status.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Driver Control Bureau and ask whether you can set up a payment plan for the reinstatement fee. Some situations allow this, though it depends on the reason for your suspension. You may also be able to pay the fee in installments once your license is reinstated, but you cannot drive until the fee is paid and processed.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
Not usually. The reinstatement process is straightforward if you have resolved the underlying problem. However, if your suspension was for a DUI and you are fighting the conviction, or if the Driver Control Bureau denied your reinstatement and you want to appeal, a lawyer can help you understand your options.
What happens if I ignore my suspension and keep driving?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Kansas. You can be arrested, fined up to $500 for a first offense, and face jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your suspension will be extended. The longer you wait to reinstate your license, the more expensive and complicated the situation becomes.