How to reinstate your Kansas driver's license
To reinstate your Kansas driver's license, you must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, pay any outstanding fees or fines, and meet the requirements that caused your suspension or revocation in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction — so you need to know your specific reason before you start. Most people can complete the reinstatement through the mail or in person at a Kansas driver's license office, though some situations require a hearing or additional steps.
The timeline varies by method. If you visit a driver's license office in person, you can often walk out with a temporary permit the same day. If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing. Either way, you cannot legally drive until your reinstatement is approved.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3671 to find out exactly why your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- You will need to pay reinstatement fees (currently $100 for most suspensions) plus any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears that triggered the suspension.
- DUI-related suspensions require an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before reinstatement is possible in most cases.
- Medical suspensions require a letter from your doctor stating you are safe to drive before the state will reinstate your license.
- Once you meet all requirements and pay all fees, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks if you explore by mail or same-day if you visit a driver's license office in person.
Find out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to call the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3671 and ask why your license is suspended. Have your driver's license number ready. The staff member will tell you the specific reason — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, a medical condition, or a DUI conviction — and what you must do to clear it.
You can also visit a Kansas driver's license office in person to get this information. Offices are located in most county seats and larger cities. Bring your driver's license or state ID if you have it. If you do not know which office is nearest, search "Kansas driver's license office" plus your city name online, or call the main number above. Write down everything the staff member tells you, including the exact amount you owe, the important date for payment (if there is one), and any documents you need to gather. This information is your roadmap for the rest of the process.
Pay reinstatement fees and outstanding debts
Kansas charges a $100 reinstatement fee for most suspensions. You must also pay any outstanding fines, court costs, child support arrears, or other debts that caused the suspension. The total amount you owe depends on your situation. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, you pay the reinstatement fee plus the ticket fines. If it was suspended for unpaid child support, you pay the reinstatement fee plus the back support owed.
You can pay by mail, in person at a driver's license office, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. If paying by mail, send a check or money order to the address the staff member gives you. Include a note with your name, driver's license number, and the reason for payment. Allow one to two weeks for processing when you pay by mail. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the staff member whether a payment plan is available. Some situations allow installment payments, though this varies by the type of debt.
Meet suspension-specific requirements
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to complete additional steps before reinstatement is possible. These requirements exist to address the underlying reason for the suspension and to protect public safety.
For DUI suspensions: Kansas requires an ignition interlock device to be installed in any vehicle you drive. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must have the device installed by a certified vendor, keep it in your vehicle for a set period (usually six months to one year), and pass all monitoring checks. Only after the interlock period ends can you request permanent reinstatement. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, typically $60 to $100 per month.
For medical suspensions: You must obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically safe to drive and that any condition causing the suspension has been resolved or is being managed. Submit this letter to the Kansas Department of Revenue along with your reinstatement request. The state may also require you to pass a medical examination administered by the state.
For suspensions due to unpaid child support: Contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families or your local child support enforcement office to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once the office confirms that you are current or have a valid agreement in place, they will notify the Department of Revenue, and your suspension will be lifted. You still pay the $100 reinstatement fee.
For suspensions due to unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear: Pay the fines and any court costs. If you failed to appear in court, you may need to contact the court to resolve that matter before the state will reinstate your license.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all fees and met any suspension-specific requirements, submit your reinstatement request to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. You can do this by mail, in person, or online. Each method has different timelines and what you receive when ready.
By mail: Write a letter that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, current address, and a statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Attach copies of proof of payment (such as a cancelled check or receipt) and any required documents (such as a doctor's letter for medical suspensions or proof of interlock installation for DUI suspensions). Send the packet to the address provided by the staff member when you called. Include your phone number so they can contact you if they need more information. Processing takes one to two weeks.
In person: Visit a Kansas driver's license office with your driver's license or state ID, proof of payment, and any required documents. The staff member will review your materials and process your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. This is the fastest way to get back on the road legally.
Online: Some reinstatement requests can be submitted through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, though this option is not available for all suspension types. Check the website or call 785-296-3671 to see whether your situation qualifies for online reinstatement.
What to expect after you submit your request
If you explore by mail, processing typically takes one to two weeks. If you explore in person at a driver's license office, your reinstatement is usually processed the same day, and you receive a temporary permit when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If the state needs more information or documents from you, they will contact you by phone or mail. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
If your request is denied, the state will explain why and tell you what additional steps you need to take. Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally in Kansas. If you received a temporary permit, use it until your permanent license arrives. Do not drive without a valid license or permit, even if you have submitted your reinstatement request, as this is illegal and can result in additional fines or charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
Not unless you receive a temporary permit. If you explore in person at a driver's license office, you get a temporary permit valid for 30 days. If you explore by mail, you cannot drive until your reinstatement is approved and your permanent license arrives. Driving without a valid license during this time is illegal and can result in additional fines or charges.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fees and fines at once?
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and ask whether a payment plan is available for your situation. Some suspension types allow installment payments, though not all do. If a plan is available, you must make payments on time to avoid further suspension or legal action.
Do I need a hearing to reinstate my license?
Most reinstatements do not require a hearing. However, if your suspension was related to a DUI conviction or if the state denies your reinstatement request, you may have the right to request a hearing. The state will inform you of this right in writing if it applies to your case.
How long does a reinstatement stay in effect?
Once your license is reinstated, it remains valid until its normal expiration date, which is printed on your license. You do not need to renew it sooner just because it was suspended. However, if you fail to meet any conditions of your reinstatement — such as keeping an ignition interlock device installed — your license can be suspended again.
What if my license was suspended in another state but I now live in Kansas?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue and explain your situation. Kansas may recognize the suspension from the other state, or it may have its own process for handling out-of-state suspensions. The staff member can tell you what steps to take based on which state suspended your license and why.