What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Kansas License
To reinstate your Kansas driver's license after suspension or revocation, you must first determine why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps Kansas requires for that reason. The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot straightforward renew an expired license if it was suspended or revoked — you must go through reinstatement instead, which involves paying a reinstatement fee, providing proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved, and in some cases passing a written or driving test again.
The reinstatement process varies significantly depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, DUI-related offenses, medical reasons, or other violations. Some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set period; others require you to take active steps before you can drive legally again. Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Kansas is a criminal offense, so understanding your specific situation and the exact steps required is essential.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas suspensions and revocations have different causes — unpaid fines, DUI convictions, medical conditions, or accumulation of points — and each has its own reinstatement process.
- You must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles to find out the reason for your suspension and what documents or fees are required before reinstatement.
- Reinstatement fees in Kansas range from $100 to $200 depending on the reason for suspension, and you must pay this fee before your license is restored.
- Some suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period; others require proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, such as paying court fines or completing a DUI education program.
- After reinstatement is approved, you may need to visit a Kansas DMV office in person to receive your new license or have your driving privileges restored in the system.
How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason Kansas suspended or revoked it. You can check your driving record status by contacting the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles directly. Call their customer service line at 785-296-3671, or visit a local DMV office in person with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. You can also request your driving record online through the Kansas DMV website, though the online system may not show suspension details as clearly as a phone call or in-person visit.
Write down the specific reason given — for example, "suspension for unpaid traffic fines," "revocation due to DUI conviction," or "medical suspension." This reason determines which documents you need to gather and which fee you will pay. If you are unsure about the reason or the steps required, ask the DMV representative to walk you through the reinstatement process for your specific situation before you hang up or leave the office.
Reinstatement 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 to the court that issued the ticket before Kansas will reinstate your license. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket to confirm the exact amount due and the payment method they accept. Some courts accept payment by phone, mail, or online; others require you to pay in person at the courthouse.
Once you have paid the fine or court costs in full, the court will notify the Kansas Department of Revenue that the debt has been satisfied. You then need to contact the DMV to request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee, which is typically $100 for a suspension. The DMV will verify that the court has reported payment before processing your reinstatement. This process usually takes 5 to 10 business days after the court confirms payment.
Reinstatement for DUI or Alcohol-Related Suspensions
A DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test in Kansas triggers an automatic license revocation, not just a suspension. Reinstatement after a DUI-related revocation requires multiple steps and a longer waiting period than other suspension types. You must wait a minimum of one year from the date of revocation before you can even request reinstatement, and you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment program during that waiting period.
To reinstate after a DUI revocation, you must submit proof of completion of a Kansas-approved substance abuse evaluation to the Kansas Department of Revenue. You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee of $200 and provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance). After the DMV approves your reinstatement request, you may be required to pass a written test and a driving test before your license is fully restored. Contact the DMV at 785-296-3671 to confirm the current waiting period and all documents required for your specific DUI case.
Reinstatement for Medical Suspensions
Kansas may suspend your license if a medical condition or medication is reported to the DMV as potentially unsafe for driving, or if you fail a medical examination. To reinstate a medical suspension, you must obtain a medical evaluation from a licensed physician in Kansas and submit a completed Medical Examination Report form to the DMV. The form must confirm that your medical condition no longer poses a safety risk and that you are safe to drive.
You can read the Medical Examination Report form from the Kansas DMV website or request it by mail. Your doctor must complete and sign the form, and you must submit it to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. Once the DMV receives and approves the medical report, you will pay a reinstatement fee of $100 and your license will be restored. Some medical suspensions also require you to pass a driving test before reinstatement is final.
Reinstatement for Point Accumulation Suspensions
Kansas suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points from traffic violations within a set time period. If your license was suspended for point accumulation, the suspension is typically automatic and lifts on its own after a waiting period — usually 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and longer for subsequent suspensions. You do not need to take action during the waiting period, but you cannot drive legally until the suspension ends.
Once the waiting period has passed, you must contact the Kansas DMV to request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee of $100. The DMV will confirm that the waiting period has ended and process your reinstatement. Some point-based suspensions require you to pass a written test or defensive driving course before reinstatement; the DMV will tell you if this applies to your case. After reinstatement is approved, your license is restored and you can drive legally again.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment Methods
Kansas charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. The standard reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions (unpaid fines, point accumulation, medical). For DUI-related revocations, the reinstatement fee is $200. These fees are in addition to any fines, court costs, or other amounts you owe related to the original violation.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, or credit card when you submit your reinstatement request to the Kansas Department of Revenue. If you are paying in person at a DMV office, you can also pay by cash. Make checks or money orders payable to the "Kansas Department of Revenue." Include your driver's license number and the reason for reinstatement with your payment so the DMV can match it to your record.
Steps to Complete Your Reinstatement Request
After you have gathered all required documents and paid any outstanding fines or fees, follow these steps to request reinstatement:
- Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3671 or visit a local DMV office to confirm your reinstatement is ready to process.
- Submit your reinstatement fee ($100 or $200) by mail, phone, or in person, along with any required supporting documents (medical report, proof of DUI program completion, court payment confirmation).
- Wait for the DMV to process your request — this typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
- If required for your suspension type, schedule and pass a written test, driving test, or both at a Kansas DMV office.
- Once approved, visit a DMV office to receive your reinstated license, or the DMV will mail it to you if you applied by mail.
Do not drive until you receive written confirmation from the Kansas DMV that your reinstatement has been approved and your license is active. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Kansas and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DMV if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Kansas is illegal, even to reach the DMV office. Arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or contact the DMV by phone or mail to submit your reinstatement request without driving.
How long does reinstatement take in Kansas?
Most reinstatements take 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your complete request and all required documents. DUI-related revocations take longer because of the one-year waiting period and the requirement to complete a substance abuse evaluation. Contact the DMV for an estimate based on your specific situation.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
It depends on the reason for suspension. Medical suspensions and some DUI revocations require a driving test. Point-based suspensions and unpaid fine suspensions usually do not. The DMV will tell you whether a test is required when you request reinstatement.
What if I cannot pay my reinstatement fee all at once?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans. Some situations may allow you to pay the reinstatement fee in installments, though this varies. Call 785-296-3671 to discuss your options with a DMV representative.
Will my reinstatement show on my driving record?
Yes. Your driving record will show the suspension, the reason for it, and the date it was lifted or reinstated. This record is visible to insurance companies and law enforcement, so reinstatement does not erase the suspension from your history.