How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Kansas DUI Conviction

 

As a Kansas DUI offender, you will have your driver’s license suspended or revoked, depending on how many past DUI convictions you have and what your blood alcohol level was when you were driving. You will be asked to turn the driver’s license into the court, which will send it to the DMV, where it is registered into their system and held until the suspension or revocation ends.

 

In order to drive again legally, you will need to reinstate your driver’s license. First, you must wait until the specified amount of time has passed and then you can start the process.

 

The Process for Reinstating Your Driver’s License in Kansas

 

In order to get your driver’s license back, you must apply for a new driver’s license as though you’ve never had a driver’s license before. That means you must pass the first-time driver tests and pay all relevant fees and fines. Then the driver’s license that was surrendered to the court is returned to you. Your driver’s license number stays the same.

 

For more information, you can contact the Division of Vehicles at 785-296-3963 or email dl@kdor.ks.gov. You can also mail:

Driver's Licensing
Docking State Office Building
P.O. Box 2188
Topeka, KS 66601-2128
 

The Difference between Suspension and Revocation

 

In Kansas, the difference between having your driver’s license suspended and having it revoked is just the amount of time you are without a driver’s license. If it is for under a year, it is called a suspension. If it is for longer than a year, it is called a revocation. The process for both is the same.

 

No Hardship Driver’s Licenses

 

Kansas does not grant hardship driver’s licenses, so if you driver’s license is suspended, you must wait until the end of the suspension to drive again. You have no options, even if you have difficulty getting to and from work. This means it’s even more important to follow all the protocols and procedures. Do not drive if your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, or you will not be driving for an even longer period of time with no other options available to you.

 

Ignition Interlock Devices

 

If you have been convicted of a 2nd DUI offense in Kansas, or if you first offense was for a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car for one to two years after your license suspension. You will be responsible for the cost of installation and maintenance. The device works by asking you to pass a breathalyzer test before it allows the engine to start. Then, while you driving, it will ask you to pass more tests, otherwise an alarm will sound. The alarm will continue to go off until you have pulled over and turned off the engine. This is to prevent you from asking a friend or family member to pass the breathalyzer test for you when initially starting the car.

 

Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License

 

If you drive while your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, this is considered a major offense which can result in the cancellation of your driver’s license. Even a first conviction can result in $1,000 in fines and a jail sentence up to 6 months. It can severely impact your ability to get your driver’s license back.

 

When to Get Professional Legal Help

 

If you have been convicted of multiple DUIs, it can be beneficial to get an experienced Kansas DUI lawyer to work with you. He or she can help you through the process of getting your license reinstated and ensure that you meet all the requirements.