Call the Kentucky Department of Transportation Driver Licensing Branch

When your Kentucky license is suspended, the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KDOT) Driver Licensing Branch is the agency that holds your case file and can tell you exactly why the suspension happened and what you need to do. They are the only source that can confirm your suspension status, explain the specific reason, and outline the steps to restore your license.

You can reach them by phone at 502-564-6800. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times can be long during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so calling early or late in the business day often moves faster.

If you prefer to visit in person, the main Driver Licensing Branch office is located at 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Some regional offices throughout the state also handle suspension cases, though the Frankfort office has access to all records. You can find the nearest office location on the KDOT website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kentucky Department of Transportation Driver Licensing Branch at 502-564-6800 is the only office that can confirm why your license is suspended and what documents or actions you need to restore it.
  • Different suspension reasons—unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical suspension, or administrative issues—require different steps to resolve, and KDOT will tell you which applies to your case.
  • You will likely need to contact a second agency (court, child support office, or medical review board) to resolve the underlying reason before KDOT can lift the suspension.
  • Bring your driver's license number or Social Security number when you call, and expect to wait on hold during business hours.

What Information KDOT Will Give You Over the Phone

When you call, the KDOT representative will pull your record and tell you the suspension code—a number that corresponds to the reason your license was suspended. Common codes include unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical suspension, or failure to appear in court. Knowing the code is the first step because it tells you which other agency you need to contact to resolve the problem.

KDOT will also tell you whether the suspension is still active or has already been lifted (sometimes suspensions are resolved without the driver knowing). They can explain what documents or proof of resolution you will need to bring back to them once you have handled the underlying issue. Write down the suspension code and any case numbers they give you—you will need these when you contact the other agency.

Suspensions Related to Traffic Fines or Court Cases

If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, KDOT will direct you to the district court in the county where the ticket was issued or the case was filed. You can find the correct court by searching the Kentucky Court of Justice website or by calling the county clerk's office for that county.

Contact the court and ask for the traffic or criminal division. Provide your case number (which KDOT should have given you) and ask what amount is owed and whether you can pay by phone, mail, or in person. Once you pay or resolve the case, ask the court to send written confirmation to KDOT. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it. Keep a copy for your records.

Suspensions Related to Child Support Arrears

If the suspension is tied to unpaid child support, KDOT will direct you to the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), Division of Child Support. You can reach them at 1-800-248-1163 or through their online portal at chfs.ky.gov.

The child support office will tell you the exact amount owed and payment options. You do not have to pay the full amount in many cases—you can set up a payment plan. Once you have made an arrangement or paid what is required, ask DCBS to send proof to KDOT that you are in compliance. This step is critical; KDOT will not lift the suspension without written confirmation from child support.

Suspensions Related to Medical or Safety Issues

Some suspensions are issued because of a medical condition, a failed medical examination, or a safety concern reported to the state. If this applies to your case, KDOT will tell you what medical documentation or re-examination is required. You may need to see your own doctor, visit a state-approved medical examiner, or complete a substance abuse evaluation, depending on the reason.

Once you have the required medical clearance or documentation, submit it directly to KDOT. They will review it and, if it satisfies their requirements, lift the suspension. The timeline for this varies; some medical suspensions are resolved in a few weeks, while others take longer if additional testing or monitoring is needed.

What to Do If KDOT Cannot Resolve Your Case by Phone

If the representative cannot fully explain your suspension or you believe the suspension is in error, ask to speak with a supervisor or request that your case be escalated. You can also submit a written request for a hearing through the Kentucky Administrative Procedures Act. KDOT will provide you with the form and instructions if this step is necessary.

If you are unable to reach KDOT by phone or need a faster response, you can visit the Driver Licensing Branch office in person. Bring your driver's license, Social Security card, and any documents related to the suspension (court notices, child support paperwork, medical records). An in-person visit often results in a quicker resolution because staff can access your full file when ready.

Timeline for Restoration After You Resolve the Underlying Issue

Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension—paid the fine, arranged child support payments, or submitted medical clearance—KDOT typically lifts the suspension within 1 to 5 business days if you submit proof in person or by mail. If you submit proof by phone, allow up to 10 business days for processing.

You can check your license status online through the KDOT website or by calling 502-564-6800 again to confirm the suspension has been removed. Do not drive until you have confirmed the suspension is lifted; driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties in Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my suspension is being resolved?

No. Driving on a suspended license in Kentucky is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and additional license suspension. Wait until KDOT confirms the suspension has been lifted before you drive.

What if I cannot reach KDOT by phone?

Visit the Driver Licensing Branch office in person at 501 High Street, Frankfort, or find a regional office near you on the KDOT website. In-person visits often have shorter wait times than phone lines, and staff can access your complete file when ready.

Do I have to pay the full amount owed to get my license back?

It depends on the reason for suspension. For child support arrears, you may be able to set up a payment plan instead of paying in full. For traffic fines, the court may offer payment plans as well. Contact the relevant agency (court or child support office) to ask about options.

How long does it take to restore my license after I resolve the problem?

If you submit proof in person or by mail, KDOT typically lifts the suspension within 1 to 5 business days. Phone submissions may take up to 10 business days. Call KDOT to confirm the suspension has been removed before you drive.

What if the suspension was issued by mistake?

Call KDOT and explain the error. If the representative agrees the suspension is incorrect, they can lift it when ready. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing through the Kentucky Administrative Procedures Act; KDOT will provide the form and instructions.