What you need to do to get your Kansas license back
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Kansas, you must first find out why your license was suspended, because the steps and fees depend on the reason. Kansas suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, DUI convictions, failure to pay child support, and other violations. The Kansas Department of Revenue handles reinstatement for most suspensions, but some require you to resolve the underlying issue first — paying a fine, completing a court requirement, or finishing a DUI education program.
The reinstatement process typically involves contacting the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, paying a reinstatement fee, and sometimes providing proof that you have met other conditions. Reinstatement fees in Kansas range depending on the type of suspension, and you cannot drive legally until your license status changes in the system. Once approved, you will receive a new license or a notice confirming reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue, and some require you to resolve the underlying cause first — such as paying a traffic fine or completing a DUI program.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by calling their driver services line.
- After reinstatement is approved, you will receive confirmation and can legally drive again, though you may need to obtain a new physical license card.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the suspension reason. The Kansas Department of Revenue maintains your driving record and the status of your license. You can check this information in three ways: online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website (where you can look up your record for a fee), by phone at the driver services line, or in person at a Kansas Driver's License office.
When you contact the Department of Revenue, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension type, the date it took effect, and what you must do to remove it. Write down this information — you will need it to move forward. If the suspension is related to a court case or unpaid fine, the Department of Revenue will direct you to the appropriate court or agency.
Common suspension reasons and what each requires
Traffic violations and points accumulation are among the most common suspension reasons. If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, you must wait out a suspension period (typically 30 days for a first suspension) before you can reinstate. If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the fine to the court that issued the ticket before the Department of Revenue will reinstate your license.
Failure to appear in court also triggers suspension. You must resolve the underlying case — usually by appearing in court or paying the fine — before reinstatement. DUI-related suspensions often require completion of a substance abuse education program and may involve an ignition interlock device. Child support arrears suspensions require proof from the Kansas Department for Children and Families that you are current on payments or have made an arrangement to pay.
Administrative suspensions (such as those for medical reasons or failure to renew) typically require only the reinstatement fee and proof of meeting any conditions — like a medical clearance or proof of insurance. The Department of Revenue will specify what documents you need to submit.
How to pay the reinstatement fee
Kansas charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The fee amount depends on the type of suspension. You can pay this fee in person at any Kansas Driver's License office, by mail to the Department of Revenue, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website if your suspension type allows online payment.
When you pay, keep your receipt or confirmation number. If you are paying by mail, include a copy of your driver's license or identification and a letter stating your name, date of birth, and the reason for reinstatement. Send payment to the address provided by the Department of Revenue. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks after the Department receives your payment.
Resolving the underlying cause of suspension
For many suspensions, paying the reinstatement fee alone is not enough. You must first resolve the issue that caused the suspension. If a court fine is unpaid, contact the court listed on your suspension notice and pay the balance. If you failed to appear in court, you must appear or work with an attorney to resolve the case. If you received a DUI suspension, you will need to complete a DUI education program — your suspension notice will list approved programs in Kansas.
Once you have resolved the underlying cause, obtain written proof or a court document confirming this. For example, if you paid a fine, get a receipt showing payment in full. If you completed a DUI program, request a certificate of completion. Bring this proof when you submit your reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue. Without it, your reinstatement request may be denied.
What happens after you submit for reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement fee and any required documents, the Kansas Department of Revenue processes your request. Processing typically takes five to ten business days, though it may take longer if additional information is needed or if your case involves a court. The Department will contact you if they need more documentation.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive written confirmation. If your license card was not physically suspended (meaning you still have the card), you may be able to drive when ready upon approval. If your card was confiscated or expired, you will need to obtain a new license card. You can do this at any Kansas Driver's License office by bringing your confirmation of reinstatement, proof of identity, and proof of Kansas residency.
Reinstating a license suspended in another state
If your Kansas license was suspended because of a violation in another state, you must resolve that violation first. Contact the other state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what is required. Once you have satisfied their requirements, the other state will notify Kansas, and your suspension will be lifted. You can then proceed with Kansas reinstatement if a Kansas reinstatement fee is required.
If you are unsure which state holds the suspension, the Kansas Department of Revenue can help you determine this. They may need to contact the other state on your behalf, which can add time to the process. Be patient and provide all requested information promptly to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until your license status changes in the Kansas Department of Revenue system. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans or fee reductions. Some suspensions may allow you to set up a payment arrangement. Additionally, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, the court that issued the ticket may offer a payment plan. Explain your situation to the Department or court — many have options for people facing financial hardship.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit everything correctly and have resolved the underlying cause, reinstatement typically takes five to ten business days. If documents are missing or the Department needs to contact another agency, it may take two to four weeks. Reinstatement by mail takes longer than in-person submission.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
For most suspensions, you do not need a lawyer. The process is straightforward: find out the reason, resolve it if needed, pay the fee, and submit your request. However, if your suspension involves a court case or criminal charge, consulting with a lawyer may help you resolve the underlying issue more quickly.
What if my reinstatement request is denied?
The Department of Revenue will explain why in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid underlying fines, or failure to complete a required program. Address the specific issue and resubmit. You can also contact the Department to ask for clarification or to request a hearing if you believe the denial was in error.