Kansas reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended
The cost to reinstate your Kansas driver's license ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears costs $100. A suspension for drug or alcohol offenses costs $200. If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, you pay $100. The Kansas Department of Revenue collects these fees when you submit your reinstatement request.
Beyond the reinstatement fee itself, you may owe additional money before the state will process your request. If your suspension was tied to unpaid court fines, you must pay those fines first. If it was tied to child support arrears, you must bring your account current or set up a payment plan with the Kansas Department for Children and Families. If it was a drug or alcohol suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program, which carries its own cost.
The total amount you pay depends on what caused the suspension and whether you have other debts attached to it. Some people pay only the $100 or $200 reinstatement fee. Others pay hundreds more if fines or treatment are required.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas charges $100 to reinstate a license suspended for points, unpaid fines, or child support, and $200 for drug or alcohol suspensions.
- You must pay any outstanding court fines or bring child support current before the state will process your reinstatement request.
- Drug and alcohol suspensions often require a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, which adds to the total cost.
- You submit your reinstatement request and fee to the Kansas Department of Revenue, either by mail or in person at a driver's license office.
Reinstatement fees by suspension reason
Kansas uses a two-tier fee structure. Most suspensions cost $100 to reinstate. This covers suspensions for accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period, suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, and suspensions for child support arrears. You pay the same $100 fee regardless of how long your license was suspended.
Drug and alcohol-related suspensions cost $200 to reinstate. This includes suspensions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license due to a prior DUI, and refusal to take a breath or blood test. The higher fee reflects the additional requirements you must meet before reinstatement is possible.
If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or check your suspension notice. The notice will state the reason and the fee amount.
Additional costs you may owe before reinstatement
The reinstatement fee is only part of what you may need to pay. If your suspension was triggered by unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines in full before the state will reinstate your license. The amount depends on the original violation and any late fees that have accumulated.
If your suspension was for child support arrears, you must either pay the full amount owed or contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families to set up a payment plan. The state will not reinstate your license until your account is current or a plan is in place.
For drug and alcohol suspensions, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation. If the evaluator recommends treatment, you must complete that program before reinstatement. Evaluations typically cost $100 to $300, and treatment programs vary widely in cost depending on the level of care required.
How to submit your reinstatement request and fee
You can reinstate your license by mail or in person. To reinstate by mail, send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Include a copy of your suspension notice and any proof that you have met the conditions for reinstatement (such as proof of paid fines or a completed substance abuse evaluation).
To reinstate in person, visit any Kansas driver's license office with your reinstatement fee and supporting documents. You can find the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Bring a valid form of identification and proof of Kansas residency.
Processing typically takes two to four weeks by mail. In-person reinstatement may be faster, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly the state verifies that you have met all conditions. Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at the office where you applied.
What happens if you cannot pay the full amount right away
If you cannot pay the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines at once, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans. The state does not always offer payment plans for reinstatement fees themselves, but it may work with you on outstanding traffic fines or child support arrears.
For child support arrears, the Kansas Department for Children and Families can set up a payment plan that allows you to reinstate your license while paying arrears over time. Contact them directly to discuss your options.
If you are facing financial hardship, ask the court that issued your fines whether it can reduce or waive them. Some courts have hardship programs, though this is not may provide. The reinstatement fee itself is set by state law and cannot be waived or reduced.
Reinstating after a drug or alcohol suspension
Drug and alcohol suspensions have the highest reinstatement cost and the most steps. You must pay the $200 reinstatement fee, complete a substance abuse evaluation, and complete any treatment program recommended by the evaluator. Only after all three are done will the state reinstate your license.
The substance abuse evaluation is the first step. You can find an approved evaluator through the Kansas Department of Revenue or by asking your local court. The evaluator will assess your situation and recommend treatment if needed. If treatment is recommended, you must complete it before reinstatement.
Some people complete treatment quickly and reinstate within a few months. Others may need longer treatment programs that take six months or more. The total cost depends on the evaluator's recommendation and the treatment program you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the state approves your reinstatement request and issues a new license. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Kansas and carries additional penalties.
What if I lost my suspension notice and don't know the reinstatement fee?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or visit a driver's license office in person. They can look up your suspension record and tell you the exact fee and any conditions you must meet before reinstatement.
Do I need a new written or road test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require retesting. You pay the fee, meet any conditions (such as paying fines or completing treatment), and the state issues a new license with the same class and restrictions you had before suspension.
What if I have multiple suspensions on my record?
You must address each suspension separately. If you have both a points suspension and a child support suspension, you must pay the reinstatement fee for each and meet the conditions for each before your license is fully reinstated.
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for reinstatement?
Kansas does not issue temporary licenses during the reinstatement process. Your license remains suspended until the state approves your reinstatement request and mails you a new license.