Getting your license back in Kansas requires you to handle the reason for suspension first, then file paperwork with the Kansas Department of Revenue
Your suspended license cannot be reinstated until you resolve whatever caused the suspension — whether that was unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Once you have handled that underlying issue, you file a Reinstatement process with the Kansas Department of Revenue, pay a reinstatement fee, and wait for approval. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your paperwork.
The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid fines works differently than a suspension for a DUI or a failure to appear. This guide walks you through identifying your suspension reason, fixing it, and filing for reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension before the Kansas Department of Revenue will reinstate your license.
- Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue or the court that suspended your license to find out the exact reason and what you need to do.
- The reinstatement fee in Kansas is $100, plus any fines, restitution, or other costs tied to your suspension reason.
- You can file your Reinstatement process by mail, in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office, or online through the state portal.
- After approval, you may need to take a written test or vision test before you can drive again, depending on how long your license was suspended.
Find out why your license was suspended
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and have your driver's license number ready. Tell them you need to know the reason for your suspension and what you must do to resolve it. They will tell you whether the suspension is for unpaid fines, a court order, a DUI, failure to appear, or another reason. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, court names, or amounts owed.
If the suspension is tied to a court case, you can also call the district court that issued the suspension. The court clerk can tell you whether you owe fines, restitution, or court costs, and whether there are any other conditions you must meet before the Department of Revenue will reinstate your license.
Pay fines, restitution, or other court-ordered costs
If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay them before you can be reinstated. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice and ask how to pay. Most Kansas courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number showing the payment was received.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court whether you can set up a payment plan. Some courts will agree to a plan if you show you are making regular payments. Once you have paid in full or the court confirms your payment plan is in place, you can move forward with reinstatement.
If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families or the court handling your child support case. They will tell you the amount owed and how to pay. Child support suspensions often require full payment or a court-approved payment plan before reinstatement is possible.
Handle a failure to appear suspension
If you missed a court date and your license was suspended as a result, you must contact the court when ready. Call the district court listed on your suspension notice and explain that you missed your appearance. The court may issue a new court date, or it may allow you to resolve the case by phone or mail depending on the charge.
Once you have appeared in court or resolved the underlying case, ask the court clerk to confirm that your failure to appear has been cleared. Get the clerk's name and the date you spoke with them. This confirmation is important because the Department of Revenue will not reinstate your license until the court notifies them that the failure to appear is resolved.
Complete requirements for a DUI or serious traffic suspension
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction or a serious traffic violation, you may have additional requirements beyond paying fines. Kansas law requires you to complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program if your suspension is DUI-related. You must also show proof that you have completed these programs before the Department of Revenue will reinstate your license.
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask which evaluation and treatment providers are approved. Complete the evaluation and any required treatment, and request a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to submit it with your reinstatement process.
For serious traffic violations, you may be required to take a driver improvement course. The Department of Revenue can tell you whether this applies to your suspension and which courses are approved in Kansas.
File your reinstatement process
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, read the process for Reinstatement of Driver's License from the Kansas Department of Revenue website (sos.kansas.gov/depts/revenue/dl). Fill out the form completely, including your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended.
Attach proof that you have resolved the suspension. This might be a receipt showing fines paid, a court confirmation that your case is resolved, a certificate of completion from a substance abuse program, or a letter from the court stating that your failure to appear has been cleared. Do not send original documents — send copies only.
Include the $100 reinstatement fee. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Mail your process and fee to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612. You can also file in person at any Kansas Department of Revenue office or through the online portal on the state website.
What happens after you submit your process
The Department of Revenue will review your process and verify that the reason for suspension has been resolved. This typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter in the mail confirming whether your license has been reinstated or whether additional information is needed.
If your license was suspended for more than one year, you may be required to pass a written test or vision test before you can drive again. The Department of Revenue will tell you in their approval letter whether you need to take a test and where to go to take it.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally in Kansas. If you do not receive a letter within four weeks, call the Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to check the status of your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Department of Revenue approves your reinstatement process and sends you written confirmation. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Kansas and can result in additional fines and criminal charges.
What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue and ask whether a fee waiver or reduction is possible. Some circumstances may may have access to you for a reduced fee, but you will need to explain your situation to the department. The fee cannot be waived entirely, but the department may work with you on payment options.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement cases. The process is straightforward if you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or a complex court matter, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options.
What if the court says my case is resolved but the Department of Revenue says my license is still suspended?
Courts and the Department of Revenue do not always communicate when ready. Call the Department of Revenue and provide the court's confirmation that your case is resolved. Ask them to contact the court directly to verify. You may also ask the court to send a letter directly to the Department of Revenue stating that your suspension reason has been cleared.
How long does reinstatement take if I pay everything right away?
If you have already paid all fines and completed any required programs, the reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your process. Filing online or in person may be slightly faster than mailing your process.