What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Kansas
To reinstate your Kansas driver's license, you must first resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation, then submit proof of that resolution to the Kansas Department of Revenue. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. Kansas does not have a single reinstatement process form; instead, you contact the Driver Control Bureau directly with documentation showing the underlying issue has been cleared.
The process typically takes two to four weeks once the Driver Control Bureau receives your documents and verifies that your suspension reason no longer applies. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by the type of suspension. Some suspensions also require you to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate before your license can be restored.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Kansas Driver Control Bureau to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and what documents you need to clear it.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a DUI program, resolve child support arrears, or satisfy whatever caused the suspension — before reinstatement is possible.
- Submit proof of resolution to the Driver Control Bureau by mail or in person at a Kansas DMV office; processing takes two to four weeks.
- Pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your documents; the amount depends on your suspension type and ranges from $100 to $200 in most cases.
- Some suspensions require an SR-22 insurance form before your license is restored, which you obtain from your insurance company.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. Kansas suspends licenses for many different violations, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
Call the Kansas Driver Control Bureau 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 or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and what you must do to clear it. Write down this information — you will need it to gather the right documents.
You can also check your driving record online through the Kansas DMV website, though the online record may not show as much detail as a phone call. If you are unsure whether your license is currently suspended, the Driver Control Bureau can confirm that as well.
Resolving the Underlying Suspension Reason
The suspension will not be lifted until you have resolved whatever caused it. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines in full. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount owed and the payment methods they accept. Some courts allow online payment; others require a check or money order mailed to the court address.
If your suspension is due to a DUI or DWI conviction, you typically must complete a substance abuse assessment and any required treatment or education program. The court that convicted you will have specified which program you need to complete. Once you finish the program, the provider will issue a certificate of completion that you will submit to the Driver Control Bureau.
For suspensions related to child support arrears, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families or the local child support enforcement office. You will need to bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once the arrears are resolved or a plan is in place, you will receive a letter or document confirming this that you can submit for reinstatement.
If your suspension was for failure to maintain insurance, you must obtain a current auto insurance policy and keep it active. Your insurance company will provide proof of coverage that you will need for reinstatement.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request and Documents
Once you have resolved the suspension reason, gather all proof of resolution and send it to the Kansas Driver Control Bureau. You can submit documents by mail or deliver them in person to any Kansas DMV office. The address for mailing is: Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Control Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626.
Include a letter with your request that states your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended. Attach copies (not originals) of all documents showing the issue has been resolved — paid receipt for fines, certificate of completion for a DUI program, letter from child support enforcement, proof of insurance, or whatever applies to your situation. Do not send original documents; the bureau will not return them.
Include payment for the reinstatement fee. In Kansas, the fee is typically $100 to $200 depending on the suspension type. Make checks or money orders payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your suspension type, call the Driver Control Bureau before mailing your documents.
SR-22 Insurance Requirements
If your license was suspended due to a DUI, DWI, or reckless driving conviction, Kansas requires you to obtain an SR-22 certificate before your license can be reinstated. An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state proving you carry the minimum required liability coverage. It is not a separate insurance policy — it is a rider on your existing auto insurance.
Contact your current insurance company or a new one and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. The insurance company will submit it directly to the Kansas Department of Revenue. You do not file it yourself. The SR-22 must be in place before you submit your reinstatement request, or the Driver Control Bureau will not process it.
SR-22 coverage typically costs $15 to $25 extra per month on top of your regular insurance premium. You must maintain the SR-22 for the period specified by the court — usually three years from the conviction date. If your insurance lapses or you cancel it, the insurance company will notify the state and your license will be suspended again.
Processing Time and What Happens Next
After the Driver Control Bureau receives your documents and reinstatement fee, processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, the bureau verifies that your suspension reason has been cleared and that all required documents are in order. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you by phone or mail.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Driver Control Bureau will send you a letter confirming that your license has been restored. Your physical license card does not change — you can begin driving when ready upon receiving the approval letter. If you need an updated license card for any reason, you can request one at a Kansas DMV office, though this is not required for reinstatement.
Keep the approval letter in your vehicle until you receive any updated documentation. If you are stopped by law enforcement before the letter arrives, you can show them the letter when it comes or contact the Driver Control Bureau to verify your reinstatement status by phone.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common error is submitting incomplete documentation. If you paid a fine but do not include the receipt, or completed a DUI program but do not include the certificate, the bureau will have to contact you and ask for the missing item, which adds weeks to the process. Before you mail anything, call the Driver Control Bureau and confirm exactly what documents they need for your specific suspension reason.
Another frequent mistake is not resolving the underlying issue completely. If your suspension was for unpaid fines and you have paid some but not all of them, reinstatement will be denied. If you arranged a payment plan for child support but have not made the first payment, the suspension will not be lifted. Confirm with the relevant agency (court, child support office, insurance company) that the issue is fully resolved before submitting your reinstatement request.
For DUI suspensions, forgetting to obtain the SR-22 before submitting your reinstatement request is a common delay. The bureau will not process your request without proof that the SR-22 is in place. Have your insurance company file it first, then submit your reinstatement documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Driver Control Bureau sends you written approval of reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Kansas and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for the approval letter before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many Kansas courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have arranged a plan and made the first payment, ask the court for a letter confirming the plan is in place, and submit that with your reinstatement request. Some courts will lift the suspension once a payment plan is established.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require any test. You only need to resolve the suspension reason and submit proof to the Driver Control Bureau. Your license is restored based on documentation alone.
How long does an SR-22 stay on my record?
The SR-22 must remain in place for the period ordered by the court, typically three years from the DUI or DWI conviction date. After that period ends, you can ask your insurance company to remove it. Your insurance company will notify the state when the SR-22 is no longer required.
What if the Driver Control Bureau says my suspension reason is not cleared?
Call the agency responsible for that reason — the court for fines, the substance abuse program provider for DUI requirements, or the child support office for arrears — and ask what is still outstanding. Get written confirmation from them that the issue is resolved, then resubmit your reinstatement request with that documentation.