How to Reinstate Your Suspended License in Kansas

What You Need to Do to Get Your Kansas License Back

To reinstate a suspended license in Kansas, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete the specific steps tied to that reason. The Kansas Department of Revenue handles reinstatement, and the process differs depending on whether your suspension came from unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another cause. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back — you must address the underlying issue first.

Start by contacting the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau at 785-296-3671 or visiting their website to confirm your suspension status and the exact reason. They will tell you what documents you need, what fees explore, and whether you must complete additional steps like a substance abuse program or defensive driving course. Having this information before you begin saves time and prevents wasted trips.

Key Takeaways

Call the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what steps are required to lift it.
Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying cause — paying fines, completing a program, or serving a waiting period — before reinstatement is possible.
You will need to pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue, and the amount varies based on the type of suspension.
Some suspensions require an SR-22 form from your insurance company, which proves you carry the minimum required coverage before you can drive again.
After you meet all requirements, you must visit a Kansas DMV office in person to complete the reinstatement process.

Suspensions for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket — not the Department of Revenue — to confirm the exact amount and whether you can set up a payment plan. Some courts allow partial payments or monthly arrangements, especially if you explain your situation.

Once the court confirms payment in full or an approved payment plan, notify the Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau. They will receive notice from the court and process your reinstatement. You will still owe a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue, which is separate from the fine itself.

Suspensions Related to DUI or Drug Convictions

A DUI or drug-related driving conviction in Kansas triggers a mandatory suspension period that you cannot shorten. The length depends on whether it is your first offense and the specific charge. During this waiting period, you cannot drive at all — not even with a restricted license — unless you meet very specific conditions.

Before reinstatement, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment or counseling program. The Department of Revenue will direct you to an approved evaluator. You will also need an SR-22 form from your insurance company, which certifies that you carry the state's minimum liability coverage. Without the SR-22, reinstatement will not happen. After the waiting period ends and you have completed the evaluation and any required program, return to a Kansas DMV office with proof of completion and your SR-22.

Suspensions for Accumulating Too Many Points

Kansas uses a point system: traffic violations add points to your record, and too many points trigger a suspension. A suspension for points accumulation usually comes with a mandatory waiting period — typically 30 days for a first suspension, longer for repeat suspensions. You cannot shorten this period, but you can use the time to prepare the rest of your reinstatement.

During the waiting period, contact the Department of Revenue to confirm the exact length and any other requirements. Some point-based suspensions do not require an SR-22, but verify this with the Driver Control Bureau. Once the waiting period ends, visit a Kansas DMV office with your driver's license (or ID) and pay the reinstatement fee. If you have accumulated points again since your suspension, you may face additional restrictions or a longer waiting period before you can drive.

SR-22 Insurance Requirements and How They Work

An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the Kansas Department of Revenue to prove you carry the state's minimum liability coverage. It is required for most DUI suspensions and some other high-risk suspensions. You cannot obtain an SR-22 on your own — your insurance company must file it for you.

To get an SR-22, contact your current insurance company or find a new one that will insure you. Tell them you need an SR-22 filed with Kansas. They will charge a filing fee (usually $15 to $50) in addition to your regular insurance premium. Your insurance rates will increase because you are now classified as high-risk. The SR-22 must remain on file for the entire period the Department of Revenue requires — typically three years for a DUI suspension. If your policy lapses or you cancel it, the insurance company must notify the Department of Revenue, and your license will be suspended again.

Reinstatement Fees and What They Cover

Kansas charges a reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue when you restore your license. The amount varies based on the type of suspension: point-based suspensions typically cost less than DUI-related reinstatements. As of the most recent information available, fees range from around $100 to $200, but confirm the exact amount with the Driver Control Bureau when you call, since fees can change.

This fee is separate from any fines you owe to a court, any SR-22 filing fees your insurance company charges, or any substance abuse program costs. Budget for all of these expenses before you begin the reinstatement process. Some people are surprised to learn that reinstatement is not free, even after they have served their suspension period.

Steps to Complete Reinstatement at a Kansas DMV Office

Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension type — paid fines, completed programs, waited out the mandatory period, obtained your SR-22 if required — you are ready to visit a Kansas DMV office. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of any completed programs or evaluations, your SR-22 form (if applicable), and payment for the reinstatement fee.

Visit any Kansas DMV office during business hours. Tell the staff member you are there for license reinstatement and provide your documents. They will verify that all requirements have been met in the Department of Revenue's system. If everything is in order, you will pay the reinstatement fee and receive your license back on the spot. If something is missing or incomplete, the staff member will tell you what else you need before you can complete the process.

What Happens If You Drive While Suspended

Driving on a suspended license in Kansas is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense can result in fines up to $500, jail time, or both. A second or subsequent offense carries harsher penalties. If you are stopped while driving suspended, your vehicle may be impounded, and your suspension period may be extended.

If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, explore alternatives: public transportation, rideshare services, carpooling with someone who has a valid license, or asking your employer about temporary work arrangements. The cost and inconvenience of these options is far less than the legal consequences of driving suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take after I submit everything?

If you submit all required documents in person at a Kansas DMV office and everything is complete, you can receive your license back the same day. If you mail documents or if the Department of Revenue needs to verify information with a court or program provider, it may take one to two weeks. Call the Driver Control Bureau to ask about your specific case.

Can I get a restricted license to drive to work while my license is suspended?

Kansas does not issue restricted licenses for most suspensions. DUI suspensions may allow a restricted license for work or treatment after a waiting period, but you must request this through the Department of Revenue and meet strict conditions. Call the Driver Control Bureau to ask whether a restricted license is an option for your suspension type.

What if I move out of Kansas before my suspension is lifted?

Your Kansas suspension remains in effect even if you move. When you move to another state, that state's DMV will see your Kansas suspension in the national database and will not issue you a license there. You must complete Kansas reinstatement before you can obtain a license in your new state.

Do I need a new driver's license photo after reinstatement?

No. Reinstatement restores your existing license; you do not need a new photo or to renew your license unless it is already expired or due for renewal. If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it at the same time you reinstate it.

Can I reinstate my license online or by mail?

You must visit a Kansas DMV office in person to complete reinstatement. You cannot do it online or by mail. However, you can call the Driver Control Bureau ahead of time to confirm all your documents are in order, which saves a wasted trip.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.