What you need to do to upgrade from a hardship license in Kansas
Once your suspension period ends, you can request that the Kansas Department of Revenue remove the hardship restriction from your license. You do not automatically get a full license — you must contact KDOR and ask for the restriction to be lifted. The process takes a few weeks and costs nothing, but you have to initiate it yourself.
The timing depends on why you received the hardship license. If you got it because of a DUI suspension, you can request removal once your suspension period is complete. If you got it for a medical reason or other grounds, the restriction lifts when the condition that caused it no longer applies — for example, when your vision improves or your medical clearance is restored.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue in person, by mail, or through their online system to request removal of your hardship restriction once your suspension period ends.
- You must provide proof that the reason for the hardship license no longer applies — such as completion of a DUI program, passage of time, or a medical clearance.
- The Kansas DMV will mail you a new license without the hardship restriction, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.
- If you were suspended for a DUI, you may also need to show proof of SR22 insurance or completion of a substance abuse program before the restriction can be removed.
How to contact the Kansas Department of Revenue
The Kansas Department of Revenue handles hardship license restrictions through its Driver Control Bureau. You can reach them by phone at 785-296-3671 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number and the reason for your hardship restriction ready when you call.
You can also visit a Kansas DMV office in person to request the restriction removal. Bring your current hardship license and any documents that prove the restriction should be lifted. If you prefer to handle it by mail, send a letter to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Control Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626, with your license number and a brief explanation of why the restriction should be removed.
What documents prove your restriction should be lifted
The documents you need depend on why you received the hardship license. If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, bring proof that you completed any required substance abuse program or treatment. You will also need to show that your SR22 insurance is still active — call your insurance company to get a current certificate if you do not have one.
If your hardship license was issued for medical reasons, bring a letter from your doctor stating that the condition has been resolved or that you are now safe to drive. If the restriction was based on a vision problem, bring results from a recent eye exam showing your vision meets Kansas standards. If time was the only factor — for example, you were waiting out a suspension period — you may not need additional documents, but KDOR will tell you what they need when you contact them.
Timeline for receiving your new license
After you submit your request and supporting documents, the Kansas Department of Revenue typically takes two to three weeks to process it. During this time, your hardship license remains valid for driving. Once KDOR approves your request, they will mail a new license without the hardship restriction to the address on file.
If you need the new license faster, ask whether you can pick it up in person at a Kansas DMV office instead of waiting for mail delivery. Some offices can issue a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is being printed, though this varies by location. Call ahead to confirm what your local office can do.
What happens if KDOR denies your request
If the Kansas Department of Revenue denies your request to remove the hardship restriction, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, an active suspension that has not yet ended, or failure to complete a required program.
If you believe the denial was wrong, you can request a hearing before the Driver Control Bureau. The letter will explain how to file that request. You will have the chance to present documents and explain your situation to a hearing officer. If you have questions about the denial, call KDOR at 785-296-3671 and ask to speak with someone in the Driver Control Bureau who can clarify what is still needed.
Insurance considerations when upgrading your license
If you were driving on a hardship license because of a DUI suspension, your insurance company may have required you to carry SR22 coverage. Once your hardship restriction is removed and your suspension ends, you can usually drop the SR22 — but you must tell your insurance company to do so. They will not remove it automatically.
Contact your insurance agent or company and let them know your suspension has ended and you are no longer required to carry SR22. Ask them to file the cancellation with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Your regular auto insurance rates may still be higher than they were before the DUI, but the SR22 filing fee will go away once it is cancelled. Keep proof of the cancellation in case you need it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my hardship license after the suspension period ends?
No. Once your suspension period officially ends, your hardship license becomes invalid unless you request that KDOR remove the restriction. You must contact them before you can legally drive without the hardship limitation. Driving on an expired or invalid license can result in a new charge.
What if I lost my hardship license and need to request the restriction removal?
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and explain that your license is lost. They can look up your record and process your request even without the physical license in hand. You will still need to provide the documents that prove the restriction should be lifted. When your new license arrives, it will not have the hardship restriction.
Do I have to pay a fee to remove the hardship restriction?
No. Removing a hardship restriction is free. You only pay if you need to replace a lost or damaged license, which costs around $20 to $25 in Kansas, though fees can change. Confirm the current fee with KDOR when you contact them.
What if I still need to drive with restrictions after my suspension ends?
If a medical condition or other issue means you still cannot drive without restrictions, you can request a new hardship license instead of a full license. Contact KDOR and explain your situation. They will tell you what documentation is needed to support a continued hardship license.