How long your license stays suspended in Kansas
The length of a Kansas driver's license suspension depends on what caused it. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines might last until you pay, while a suspension for a DUI conviction typically lasts at least one year. Suspensions for accumulating too many points on your driving record can range from 30 days to several years. The Kansas Department of Revenue issues the suspension order, and that order will state your specific suspension end date.
You cannot drive legally during a suspension, even with a restricted license, unless Kansas has issued you a restricted permit for work or medical reasons. The suspension does not disappear on its own — you must take action to have it lifted once the suspension period ends.
Key Takeaways
- Suspension length varies by reason: unpaid fines suspend until paid, point accumulation suspends for 30 days to several years, and DUI suspends for at least one year.
- The Kansas Department of Revenue mails you a suspension notice that states your exact end date and the reason for the suspension.
- You must request reinstatement after the suspension period ends; the suspension does not automatically lift.
- A restricted permit may allow limited driving for work or medical needs during your suspension, but you must request it separately.
Suspension for unpaid traffic fines and court costs
Kansas suspends your license when you do not pay a traffic fine or court costs by the important date set by the court. The suspension stays in place until you pay the full amount owed, plus any collection fees the court has added. This is one of the few suspensions where the end date is not fixed — it ends when you settle the debt.
If you received a notice that your license is suspended for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. The court can tell you the exact amount due and accept payment over the phone, by mail, or in person. Once the court receives your payment, they notify the Kansas Department of Revenue, which typically lifts the suspension within one to three business days.
Suspension for accumulating too many points
Kansas uses a points system for traffic violations. Speeding, reckless driving, and other infractions add points to your record. When you accumulate too many points within a certain time frame, the Kansas Department of Revenue automatically suspends your license. The suspension length depends on how many points you have and how quickly you accumulated them.
A first suspension for points typically lasts 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days. A third suspension within five years lasts six months. If you receive a fourth suspension within five years, your license is suspended for one year. The suspension period begins on the date the Kansas Department of Revenue mails the suspension notice to you.
Suspension for DUI or DWI conviction
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) in Kansas results in a mandatory license suspension. A first DUI conviction suspends your license for at least one year. A second DUI within ten years suspends your license for at least two years. A third or subsequent DUI within ten years suspends your license for at least three years.
These suspensions are separate from any jail time or fines you may receive. The suspension begins either on the date of your arrest or the date of conviction, depending on whether you refused a breath or blood test. The Kansas Department of Revenue will specify the start date in your suspension notice.
Suspension for refusing a breath or blood test
If you refuse to take a breath or blood test during a DUI stop, Kansas law requires an automatic license suspension. This suspension happens through the administrative process, separate from any criminal case. A first refusal suspends your license for one year. A second refusal within ten years suspends your license for two years. A third or subsequent refusal within ten years suspends your license for three years.
You have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension within ten days of receiving the suspension notice. The hearing is held before the Kansas Department of Revenue, not in court. If you do not request a hearing within that window, the suspension takes effect automatically.
Suspension for other violations
Kansas also suspends licenses for failing to appear in court, failing to pay child support, or being convicted of certain drug offenses. Suspensions for failure to appear typically last until you appear in court and resolve the case. Suspensions for unpaid child support last until you make arrangements with the child support enforcement office. Drug-related suspensions vary in length depending on the specific offense.
If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671. They can look up your record and tell you the reason, the suspension start date, and the suspension end date or the condition for lifting it.
How to request reinstatement after suspension ends
Once your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically become valid again. You must request reinstatement from the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can request reinstatement online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a local driver's license office.
You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $100 for a suspension due to points or a suspended license, though fees vary by suspension type. Some suspensions also require you to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is granted. The suspension notice you received will state whether additional requirements explore to your case.
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the Kansas Department of Revenue processes it within one to two weeks. Once approved, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again. If your request is denied, the department will send you a letter explaining why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a restricted permit?
A restricted permit allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually work, school, or medical appointments — and only during certain hours. You must request a restricted permit separately from the Kansas Department of Revenue and meet the requirements for your suspension type. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a restricted permit.
What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Kansas. You can be arrested, fined up to $500, and face jail time. A conviction for driving with a suspended license also adds points to your record and can lead to a longer suspension. The penalties increase if you have prior convictions.
How do I check the status of my suspension?
You can check your driving record through the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by calling 785-296-3671. You can also visit a local driver's license office in person. Your suspension notice will also state the end date, so you can reference that document if you have it.
Do I have to pay a fee to lift my suspension?
Yes, most suspensions require a reinstatement fee when you request to have your license restored. The fee is typically $100, though some suspension types have different fees. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first before the suspension is lifted, in addition to any reinstatement fee.
Can I get my suspension reduced or removed early?
Suspension length is set by Kansas law and cannot be reduced. However, you can request a hearing to contest the suspension if you believe it was issued in error. For suspensions due to unpaid fines or child support, paying what you owe will lift the suspension when ready, even before the original end date.