How to Handle a Suspended License in Kansas: Steps to Reinstate Your Driving Privileges
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A suspended license in Kansas can be frustrating and complicated, especially if driving is a part of your routine. However, license suspensions are rarely permanent, and understanding the Kansas suspended license laws and how they work can help you legally reinstate your license.
Below, we walk you through a suspended license, including what it is, its impact on your driving record, the risk of driving while suspended, the reinstatement process, and more.
Introduction to License Suspension in Kansas
A suspended license in Kansas occurs when the Department of Revenue (KDOR) Division of Vehicles restricts your driving privileges for legal reasons. Some things that can result in a state of Kansas suspended license include excessive traffic violations, failure to pay fines, failure to have Kansas auto insurance, driving under the influence (DUI) offenses, and more.
What Constitutes a Suspended License in Kansas?
A suspended license in Kansas is an official revocation of all driving privileges on public roadways. This suspension often stems from traffic infractions, but Kansas can suspend your license for various issues and violations, including:
- Accumulating multiple traffic citations within a specified period
- Failing to appear in court or pay traffic tickets
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Having a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive
- Failure to present valid Kansas car insurance
A suspended driver’s license in Kansas is rarely permanent. Kansas has implemented processes to help you earn back your driving privileges.
Driving Record and Its Impact on License Status
Your driving record can significantly impact your license status. If you have excessive moving violations, such as speeding tickets, reckless driving, or a DUI, you may be subject to a Kansas suspended license.
The License Reinstatement Process in Kansas
You must first understand all KDOR Department of Vehicles’ reinstatement requirements and processes to reinstate your suspended Kansas license. KDOR often has a slightly different reinstatement process for various suspension reasons, such as paying fines, installing an ignition interlock device, or taking educational courses.
The first reinstatement step in all cases is determining why KDOR suspended your license in the first place. This will help you determine the next steps.
The KDOR website offers resources on driver’s license suspension and how to reinstate it.
Steps to Reinstate Your Kansas Driving License After Suspension
License reinstatement in Kansas isn’t necessarily simple, but it’s doable with time and effort. Let’s review how to reinstate a suspended license in Kansas.
- Check your suspension status: Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue's Kansas Driver’s License Status Check page and enter the required information to see your license status. If it’s suspended, determine the reason for the suspension by ordering a copy of your driving record online and reviewing the violation or violations that led to the suspension.
- Identify the requirements: Every violation that leads to a license suspension has requirements for lifting the suspension. Contact the KDOR Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3671, option 3, to determine your requirements.
- Complete any mandatory programs: You may have to take education or rehabilitation courses, especially if your suspension was due to a DUI. You may also have to complete community service or other services to qualify for reinstatement.
- Pay fines and fees: Settle any outstanding fines associated with your suspension and pay any required driver’s license reinstatement fee.
- Apply for reinstatement: KDOR will provide the reinstatement forms needed to restore your driving privileges if you complete all the required steps and payments. Complete and submit these forms as instructed and await confirmation that your license was reinstated.
Your reinstatement process may vary slightly, so contact the KDOR for more information on your situation.
Required Documents for Reinstatement
When reinstating a Kansas driver’s license, you must collect documents before starting the process. These include:
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of Kansas residency
- Documentation of program or community service completion, if applicable
- Payment receipt of any fines or fees
Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in Kansas is a Class B misdemeanor for the first incident. The second incident and beyond is a Class A misdemeanor. These violations can lead to:
- A fine of at least $100
- Jail time
- 90-day suspension extension
- Increased insurance rates or denial of coverage
You can apply for a hardship license if you need to drive for certain reasons, such as to get to school, work, or medical treatments. This license permits driving only in approved cases.
Tips to Prevent Future Suspensions
Keeping your license in good standing starts with safe and responsible driving. A clean driving record helps you avoid suspension, so always follow all traffic laws. If you decide to drink alcohol, have a designated driver or call a ride share or taxi for a lift home.
Kansas can also suspend your license for lacking proof of insurance. Verify your car insurance is current and meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Protect Yourself: Find the Best Insurance Coverage Now!
As we mentioned, a lack of car insurance can lead to a Kansas suspended license. Fortunately, finding cheap car insurance in Kansas has never been easier, thanks to EverQuote. We allow you to compare multiple auto insurance quotes to find the best one.