Kansas reinstatement requires you to resolve the reason for suspension, pay reinstatement fees, and submit proof to the Kansas Department of Revenue
Your Kansas driver's license suspension or revocation has a specific cause — unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulation of points, or failure to appear in court. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back. The Department of Revenue will not reinstate until you have addressed that underlying reason. The process and cost depend entirely on why your license was suspended.
The first step is to contact the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. You can call them at 785-296-3671 or visit a local DMV office. They will tell you whether you need to pay fines, complete a DUI education program, wait out a suspension period, or satisfy a court order. Without this information, you cannot move forward.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue will not reinstate your license until you resolve the specific reason it was suspended — typically unpaid fines, a DUI conviction, or accumulated traffic violations.
- You must contact the Driver Control Bureau by phone at 785-296-3671 or in person to learn what steps you need to take before reinstatement is possible.
- Reinstatement fees in Kansas range based on the suspension type, and you must pay these fees along with any outstanding fines or court costs before your license is restored.
- After you have resolved the underlying issue and paid all required fees, you will submit proof to the Department of Revenue and may need to pass a written or driving test depending on how long your license was suspended.
Common reasons for Kansas license suspension and what you must do
Unpaid traffic fines and court costs are the most common reason for suspension in Kansas. If this is your reason, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. The Department of Revenue cannot reinstate your license until the court confirms payment. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket and ask what you owe. Many courts allow payment by phone or online.
A DUI or DWI conviction triggers a mandatory suspension period set by Kansas law. A first offense typically results in a one-year suspension. You cannot shorten this period by paying a fee. However, you may be may be able to access for a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or court after 30 days if you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The interlock device costs money to install and maintain, and you must provide proof of installation to the Department of Revenue.
Accumulation of traffic violation points can also suspend your license. Kansas assigns points to moving violations — speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield each carry different point values. If you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for 30 days. A second suspension within five years results in a 60-day suspension. You must wait out the suspension period; there is no way to shorten it.
Failure to appear in court or failure to pay a traffic fine can result in suspension. You must resolve the court case by appearing before a judge or paying the fine and any additional failure-to-appear fees. Contact the court directly to learn what is required.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Kansas charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. The fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or interlock device expenses you may owe. As of the most recent information available, reinstatement fees typically range from $100 to $200, but you should confirm the exact amount with the Driver Control Bureau because fees can change and may differ based on your specific suspension type.
The reinstatement fee covers the administrative cost of processing your case and restoring your driving privileges. You must pay this fee in addition to resolving the underlying reason for suspension. If you owe unpaid fines, you pay those to the court. If you owe an interlock device fee, you pay that to the device provider. The reinstatement fee goes to the Department of Revenue.
Payment methods vary. The Department of Revenue accepts payment by mail, in person at a DMV office, or sometimes online through their website. Ask the Driver Control Bureau which method is fastest for your situation.
Steps to take after you have resolved the suspension reason
Once you have completed all required steps — paid fines, completed a DUI program, waited out the suspension period, or satisfied a court order — gather your proof. This might be a receipt showing payment to the court, a certificate of completion from a DUI education program, a letter from the court confirming the case is resolved, or proof of interlock device installation.
Submit this proof to the Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Control Bureau. You can mail it, bring it in person to a DMV office, or ask the Driver Control Bureau whether you can submit it by email or fax. Include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for your submission. Keep a copy for your records.
The Department of Revenue will review your submission. If everything is in order, they will send you a notice that your license has been reinstated. This process typically takes one to two weeks by mail, though it may be faster if you submit documents in person.
When you may need to retake a test
If your license was suspended for more than one year, Kansas may require you to pass a written knowledge test or a driving test before reinstatement. The Department of Revenue will notify you if this applies to your case. You can study for the written test using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Revenue website.
If you must take a driving test, you will schedule it at a local DMV office. Bring proof of insurance and your vehicle. The test covers basic vehicle operation, parking, and traffic law compliance. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period — the Driver Control Bureau will tell you how long.
Restricted license options while your suspension is in effect
Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may be able to obtain a restricted license that allows limited driving during the suspension period. This is most common for DUI suspensions. A restricted license typically permits you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court. You cannot use it for personal errands or social activities.
To obtain a restricted license, you must petition the district court in the county where you were convicted or where your suspension was imposed. You will need to show that the restriction is necessary — for example, that you need to drive to keep your job. The court may grant or deny your petition. If granted, you will receive a restricted license document that you must carry with you while driving.
A restricted license is not automatic and is not may provide. The court has discretion to deny your petition. Additionally, if you are caught driving outside the scope of your restriction, you can face additional charges.
What to do if you cannot afford to pay fines or reinstatement fees
If you owe fines or court costs and cannot pay in full, contact the court that issued the citation. Many Kansas courts offer payment plans that allow you to pay in installments over several months. Some courts may reduce or waive fines if you demonstrate financial hardship, though this is not may provide.
The reinstatement fee charged by the Department of Revenue is not typically subject to reduction or waiver. However, if you are experiencing severe financial hardship, you can ask the Driver Control Bureau whether any hardship provisions explore to your situation. Be prepared to provide documentation of your income and expenses.
If you cannot pay when ready, ask the court or the Department of Revenue about the consequences of delay. Some suspensions remain in effect indefinitely until resolved, which means your license will not be restored until you pay. Others have time limits — for example, a point-based suspension may be lifted after a certain period even if you do not pay a reinstatement fee, though this varies by case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I submit all required documents?
Processing time is typically one to two weeks if you submit documents by mail. If you submit in person at a DMV office, you may receive a decision the same day or within a few business days. The Driver Control Bureau can tell you the current processing time when you contact them.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Department of Revenue officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before you drive.
What if I move out of Kansas after my license is suspended?
Kansas suspension records remain active regardless of where you live. If you move to another state and obtain a license there, Kansas may report the suspension to that state's DMV, and your new license could be suspended as well. You should resolve the Kansas suspension before obtaining a license in another state.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement cases. The process is administrative, and the Department of Revenue will tell you what documents and fees are required. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you are fighting the suspension in court, you may want to consult a lawyer.
Can I get my license back early if I pay extra fees?
No. Kansas does not allow you to shorten a suspension period by paying additional fees. The suspension period is set by law and must be served in full. The only exception is a restricted license, which may be available for certain suspension types if you petition the court.