What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended Kansas driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever requirement caused the suspension — usually paying a fine, completing a safety course, or resolving a traffic violation. After that, you submit a reinstatement request to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, along with the required fee. The process typically takes one to two weeks once the department receives your paperwork.
The specific steps depend on your suspension reason. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines works differently than one for a DUI conviction or for accumulating too many points. Kansas does not reinstate licenses automatically, so you have to take action yourself.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to learn the exact reason your license was suspended before you can fix it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a fine, complete a course, or resolve the underlying violation before the department will consider reinstatement.
- You submit your reinstatement request by mail or in person at a Kansas driver's license office, along with a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type.
- Processing takes one to two weeks after the department receives your complete paperwork, and you cannot drive legally until your license is reinstated.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or visit a local driver's license office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it. Write down the exact requirement — this is the step that determines everything else.
Common suspension reasons in Kansas include unpaid traffic fines, accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period, a DUI or DWI conviction, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition reported to the department. Each has a different path to reinstatement.
Complete the Requirement for Your Suspension Type
If your suspension is for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can find the correct court by calling the Kansas Judicial Center at 785-296-2256 or searching online for the county where you received the ticket. Pay the full amount owed, and ask the court to notify the Kansas Department of Revenue that the fine is paid. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it.
If your suspension is for too many points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. The Kansas Department of Revenue maintains a list of approved courses on its website. Once you complete the course, the provider sends proof directly to the department. You do not need to submit it yourself, but confirm with the course provider that they will report completion.
If your suspension is for a DUI or DWI, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, pay court fines, and sometimes serve a license suspension period before reinstatement is even possible. Contact the court that handled your case for the exact requirements. Some DUI suspensions have a mandatory waiting period that you cannot shorten.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court or failure to pay child support, contact the relevant court or the Kansas Department for Children and Families. These suspensions cannot be lifted until the underlying issue is resolved.
Gather Your Reinstatement Documents and Fee
You will need your driver's license number, proof that you have met the suspension requirement, and a reinstatement fee. The fee varies: typically $100 to $150 for most suspensions, though DUI-related reinstatements may cost more. Call the Kansas Department of Revenue to confirm the exact fee for your suspension type before you send payment.
Proof of meeting the requirement depends on what caused the suspension. For unpaid fines, bring a receipt or court confirmation. For a defensive driving course, the provider sends proof to the department automatically, but you can request a copy for your records. For a medical condition, you may need a doctor's clearance letter. For DUI-related suspensions, bring court documents showing completion of all ordered programs.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You can reinstate your license by mail or in person. To mail your request, send your completed reinstatement form (available on the Kansas Department of Revenue website), proof of meeting the suspension requirement, and your fee to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, P.O. Box 12649, Topeka, KS 66612-2649.
To reinstate in person, visit any Kansas driver's license office with the same documents and fee. Bring your current ID. In-person reinstatement is faster — you may receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Do not drive until your reinstatement is complete. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension.
What Happens After You Submit
The Kansas Department of Revenue reviews your paperwork to confirm that you have met the suspension requirement and that your fee was received. If everything is in order, your license is reinstated and you receive a new license in the mail (if you applied by mail) or when ready (if you applied in person).
If your paperwork is incomplete or your fee is incorrect, the department will contact you. Check the mailing address on file with the department to make sure you receive any notices. If you do not hear back within two weeks, call 785-296-3671 to confirm that your request was received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the department officially reinstates it. Driving during this time is illegal, even if you have submitted your reinstatement request and paid the fee. Wait for written confirmation that your license is reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some offices may work with you, though this is not may provide. Some suspension reasons (like unpaid fines) may also require you to resolve the underlying debt before reinstatement is possible, regardless of the reinstatement fee.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
Not for most suspensions. Reinstatement straightforward restores your existing license. However, if your license expired while it was suspended, you may need to renew it, which could require a new photo and vision test. Ask the department whether your license needs renewal when you inquire about reinstatement.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension is lifted. However, the reason for the suspension (such as a DUI conviction or traffic violations) remains on your record for the time period set by Kansas law, which varies by violation type. This affects your insurance rates and future licensing decisions.
What if I move out of Kansas while my license is suspended?
You can still reinstate your Kansas license by mail using the address above. If you obtain a license in another state, your Kansas suspension does not automatically transfer, but many states share suspension information. Contact the new state's licensing authority to understand how your Kansas suspension affects your ability to get a license there.