What the Kansas Secretary of State requires to reinstate your license
The Kansas Secretary of State's office handles reinstatement for most driver's licenses suspended in the state. To reinstate, you must first clear whatever caused the suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or an unpaid judgment. Once that debt is resolved, you contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, which processes the reinstatement request and charges a reinstatement fee.
The reinstatement fee in Kansas is $100 for a standard suspension. Some suspensions carry additional requirements: if your license was suspended for a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, you must also complete a substance abuse evaluation and possibly an alcohol education program before reinstatement is possible. If your suspension was for medical reasons, you may need a doctor's clearance.
You cannot reinstate online in Kansas. You must visit a Kansas driver's license office in person, mail in your request with proof of resolution, or use the mail-in process if you meet specific conditions. The office will verify that the underlying cause has been cleared before processing your reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason for your suspension — pay fines, settle child support debt, or satisfy a judgment — before the Kansas Department of Revenue will reinstate your license.
- The reinstatement fee is $100, and you must pay it at a Kansas driver's license office or by mail along with your reinstatement request.
- DUI and refusal suspensions require completion of a substance abuse evaluation and alcohol education program before reinstatement is possible.
- You must appear in person at a Kansas driver's license office or submit a mailed reinstatement request with proof that the suspension cause has been resolved.
- Processing time varies, but reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after the office receives your complete request and fee.
How to find out why your Kansas license is suspended
Before you can reinstate, you need to know exactly what caused the suspension. The Kansas Department of Revenue maintains your driving record and the reason for any suspension. You can check your record online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth, or you can call the Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3671 to speak with someone who can tell you the suspension reason over the phone.
Write down the specific reason — for example, "unpaid traffic fine for speeding" or "child support arrears" — because you will need to prove that reason has been resolved. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, you will receive a notice from the court that issued the ticket. If it is for child support, the Kansas Department for Children and Families will have records. If it is for an unpaid judgment, the creditor or collection agency will have contacted you.
Resolving the debt or issue that caused the suspension
The suspension will not lift until the underlying cause is cleared. If you owe traffic fines, you must pay them to the court that issued the ticket — usually the district court in the county where you received the ticket. Contact that court's traffic division to confirm the amount owed and the payment methods they accept. Some courts accept payment by phone, online, or mail; others require you to appear in person.
If the suspension is for child support arrears, contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families or the child support enforcement office in your county. They can tell you the exact amount owed and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready. Once you have paid or arranged a payment plan that brings your account current, request written confirmation that the arrears have been resolved — you will need this for your reinstatement request.
If the suspension is for an unpaid judgment (usually a civil debt), contact the creditor or collection agency listed on your court documents. Negotiate a payment or settlement if possible, and request a written release or satisfaction of judgment once paid. This document proves to the Kansas Department of Revenue that the debt has been cleared.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the Kansas Department of Revenue
Once the suspension cause is resolved, you have two main options: reinstate in person at a Kansas driver's license office, or submit a mailed reinstatement request. In-person reinstatement is faster and guarantees your paperwork is correct before you leave.
To reinstate in person, visit any Kansas driver's license office with your current identification, proof that the suspension cause has been resolved (paid receipt, child support clearance letter, or judgment satisfaction), and the $100 reinstatement fee in cash or check. The office will verify your information, process the reinstatement, and issue you a new license on the spot or within a few days.
To reinstate by mail, send a letter to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, current address, a copy of your proof of resolution, and a check or money order for $100 made payable to the State of Kansas. Mail should arrive within five to seven business days. The office will process your request and mail your reinstated license to you, which typically takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your request.
DUI and refusal suspensions: additional requirements
If your license was suspended for driving under the influence (DUI) or for refusing a breath or blood test, reinstatement requires more than paying a fee. You must complete a substance abuse evaluation conducted by a Kansas-approved evaluator. This evaluation assesses your alcohol or drug use and recommends treatment if needed.
Based on the evaluation results, you may also be required to complete an alcohol education program, such as a DUI school or victim impact panel. Some evaluators recommend inpatient or outpatient treatment, which you must complete before reinstatement. The cost of evaluation and any required programs is your responsibility and ranges widely depending on the provider and program length.
After you complete the evaluation and any required programs, submit proof of completion to the Kansas Department of Revenue along with your $100 reinstatement fee and identification. The office will verify that all requirements have been met before reinstating your license.
Medical suspensions and reinstatement
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you cannot reinstate without medical clearance. You must see a physician and obtain a letter stating that your condition has been treated or controlled and that you are safe to drive.
Some medical suspensions require a report from your doctor on a specific Kansas form. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out which form your doctor must complete. Once you have the medical clearance, submit it to the Division of Vehicles along with your $100 reinstatement fee and identification. Processing typically takes one to two weeks.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your complete reinstatement request, they will verify that the suspension cause has been resolved and that all required fees and documents are in order. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will contact you by phone or mail to request additional information. This can add one to two weeks to the process.
If everything is complete and correct, your reinstatement is approved and your license is reissued. If you reinstated in person, you may receive your new license when ready or within a few days. If you reinstated by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, typically within one to two weeks of approval.
Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again. However, if your suspension was for a DUI or refusal, your driving record will reflect that suspension, and your insurance rates may be higher. Some insurance companies require an SR-22 form for a period of time after a DUI suspension is lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Kansas Department of Revenue officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation that your reinstatement has been approved before driving.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed for the suspension cause?
Contact the entity that holds the debt — the court, child support office, or creditor — and ask about payment plans or settlement options. Many courts and child support offices allow you to pay in installments. Once you have an agreement in place and have made the agreed payments, you may be able to reinstate. Bring proof of the payment plan or settlement to the license office.
How long does reinstatement take if I do it by mail?
Mail delivery typically takes five to seven business days. Processing by the Kansas Department of Revenue usually takes one to two weeks after they receive your request. Total time is usually two to three weeks, but can be longer if your paperwork is incomplete or if the office needs to verify information with another agency.
Do I need a new photo for my reinstated license?
Not always. If your current license photo is still valid and recent, the office may reissue your license with the same photo. If your license has expired or the photo is very old, you may be required to take a new photo. Ask when you visit the office or include a note with your mailed request asking whether a new photo is needed.
What if my suspension was for a medical reason and my condition has not fully resolved?
You cannot reinstate until your doctor confirms you are safe to drive. If your condition is ongoing but controlled with medication or treatment, your doctor can provide a letter stating that you meet the medical standards for driving. If your condition is not yet stable or controlled, you will need to wait until it is before seeking reinstatement.