How to reinstate your Kansas license after suspension
To reinstate a suspended Kansas driver's license, you must first contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why it was suspended and what steps are required. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions), resolve the underlying issue — such as paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance — and then submit the required documents by mail or in person. The Kansas Department of Revenue processes reinstatement requests, and your license becomes valid again once they approve your request and you receive your new license in the mail.
The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish, though it can be faster if you submit your request in person at the Topeka office. The key is to act quickly: every day your license remains suspended, you cannot legally drive, and driving during a suspension carries criminal penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver's License Bureau at 785-296-3671 to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to reinstate.
- You will need to pay a $100 reinstatement fee for most suspension types, plus resolve the underlying cause such as unpaid fines, insurance lapse, failed tests, or court orders.
- Submit your reinstatement request and supporting documents by mail to the Kansas Department of Revenue or deliver them in person at a local office.
- Processing takes two to four weeks after the Department receives your complete request, and you will receive your new license by mail.
- Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Kansas and carries criminal penalties, so do not drive until your reinstatement is approved.
Find out why your license was suspended
The Kansas Department of Revenue suspends licenses for specific reasons, and you must address that reason before reinstatement is possible. Call the Driver's License Bureau at 785-296-3671 to speak with someone who can tell you the exact cause. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, conviction of a traffic offense, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension due to a reported medical condition. Some suspensions are mandatory (such as those ordered by a court), while others are administrative (such as those for unpaid fines). The reason determines what you must do next. When you call, write down the exact reason, any case or ticket numbers, and the name of the court or agency involved.
Resolve the underlying cause of suspension
Before you can reinstate, you must fix whatever caused the suspension. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the full amount owed. If it is due to a lapsed insurance policy, obtain proof of current coverage from your insurance company. If it is due to failure to appear in court, contact the court to resolve the case and pay any fines ordered. Ask each agency or court for written confirmation that the matter is resolved — you will need this for your reinstatement request.
For suspensions related to child support, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families to arrange payment or a payment plan. For medical suspensions, you may need to provide a letter from your doctor stating you are medically fit to drive, or you may need to pass a medical examination. For suspensions due to drug or alcohol convictions, you may be required to complete a substance abuse treatment program or a defensive driving course before reinstatement is possible. Ask the Department of Revenue which documents prove you have resolved the issue, and request written confirmation from each agency once the issue is resolved.
Gather required documents and pay the reinstatement fee
Collect proof that you have resolved the suspension cause. This might be a receipt showing payment of fines, a letter from your insurance company confirming current coverage, a court document showing the case is resolved, a certificate of completion from a required program, or a letter from the child support agency confirming payment. You will also need to pay the $100 reinstatement fee by check or money order made payable to the "Kansas Department of Revenue."
Some suspension types have different fee amounts — for example, suspensions related to drug or alcohol offenses may have higher fees. Confirm the exact fee amount when you call the Driver's License Bureau. Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying in person at a local office, you may be able to pay by card, but confirm payment methods when you call. Keep copies of all documents for your own records before you mail them.
Submit your reinstatement request
Mail your reinstatement request to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Include your completed reinstatement form (which you can request by phone or read from the Kansas Department of Revenue website), your check or money order for the $100 fee, and copies of all documents proving you have resolved the suspension cause. Do not send original documents — send copies only, as the Department will not return them. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a brief list of what you are enclosing.
Alternatively, you can deliver your request in person at the Driver's License Bureau office in Topeka or at a local county office. Call ahead to confirm office hours and whether you need an appointment. Bring the same documents and fee. If you submit in person, processing is often faster, and you may receive confirmation on the spot. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number so you can track your request if needed.
Wait for processing and receive your new license
The Kansas Department of Revenue typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receiving your complete submission. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. Do not drive until you receive your new license — your old license remains invalid, and driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Kansas. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, contact the Department to ask about a temporary permit, though these are rarely issued.
If you do not receive your license within four weeks, call the Driver's License Bureau to confirm your request was received and processed. Keep a copy of any receipt or confirmation number you received when you submitted your request. If there is a delay, ask the Department whether your new license is in the mail or whether additional information is needed. In rare cases, the Department can issue a temporary driving permit that allows you to drive while your new license is being printed, but you must request this in advance.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Kansas is illegal and carries serious consequences. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense is a felony. Additionally, driving on a suspended license can result in further suspension extensions and additional fines that make reinstatement even more expensive.
If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may be arrested. This is why it is critical to complete the reinstatement process before driving again, even if you believe the suspension was unfair. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can file a written appeal with the Kansas Department of Revenue, but you must do this while your license is suspended — do not drive while appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Kansas?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your complete reinstatement request. If you submit in person at the Topeka office, processing may be faster. You will receive your new license by mail once approval is granted.
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Kansas, even if your reinstatement request is pending. You must wait until you receive your new license in the mail. If you have a hardship, contact the Department of Revenue to ask about a temporary permit, though these are rarely issued.
What if I cannot pay the $100 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans or fee waivers based on financial hardship. Some courts may also offer payment plans for underlying fines. Explain your situation when you call — the Department may be able to work with you.
Do I need to retake my driving test to reinstate my license?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was due to medical reasons or a failed driving test, you may need to pass a medical exam or retake the written and driving tests. The Department will tell you what is required when you call about your specific suspension.
What if the reason for my suspension is a court order I disagree with?
You can file a written appeal with the Kansas Department of Revenue, but you must do this while your license is suspended. Contact the Department for the appeal process and required forms. You may also want to consult with an attorney, especially if the suspension is related to a criminal case or child support matter.