How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License in Kentucky

Having your Kentucky driver’s license suspended can disrupt your daily life, affecting your ability to get to work, school, or run personal errands. The process to get your license back is structured, and the steps you must take depend entirely on why your license was suspended in the first place.

The most important thing you must know is that your license is not automatically restored after your suspension time ends. You must complete a specific checklist of “compliance items.”

This guide will walk you through the real process, explain the critical difference between a suspension and a revocation, and show you the exact steps to get your driving privileges back.

Suspension vs. Revocation: You MUST Know the Difference

• SUSPENSION: This is a temporary hold on your license (e.g., for too many points or unpaid tickets).
  • Reinstatement: You do not have to re-test. You just clear your compliance items, pay your fee, and your privilege is restored.
• REVOCATION: This is a cancellation of your license (e.g., for a DUI conviction or driving without insurance).
  • Reinstatement: You must re-apply as a new driver. This means you must retake the vision, written (permit), and road (driving) tests again, regardless of how long the revocation was.

Your First Step: Get Your Official Reinstatement Letter

Before you can fix the problem, you must get your official “to-do list” from the state. Do not guess what you need to do.

When you are suspended, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will mail a “Notice of Suspension” or “Reinstatement Letter” to your address on file. This letter is your most important document. It will tell you:

1. Why you were suspended (e.g., “Point System,” “DUI,” “No Insurance”).
2. The start and end dates of your suspension.
3. A checklist of all requirements you must meet (e.g., “Pay $40 Fee,” “File SR-22,” “Complete Alcohol Program”).

If you lost this letter, you must call the Division of Driver Licensing at (502) 564-1257 and ask for your reinstatement requirements.

Pro-Tip: Did you never receive your notice? This is a common problem and almost always means your address on file is old. The KYTC mails all official notices to your last known address. You can learn how to update your address with the KYTC to ensure you receive all future documents.

How to Reinstate Your License (Based on Your Suspension)

Your reinstatement letter will show you which of these checklists you need to follow.

Case 1: Suspension for Unpaid Tickets (Failure to Appear/Pay)

• 1. Contact the Court: You must first contact the District Court Clerk in the county where you got the ticket (not the KYTC).
• 2. Pay All Court Fines: Pay the original fine plus any new late fees.
• 3. Get Court Clearance: The court will give you a “compliance” form or electronically notify the KYTC that you have paid.
• 4. Pay the KYTC Fee: Once the KYTC has the clearance, you must pay the separate $40 reinstatement fee (see Section 5).

Case 2: Suspension for Too Many Points (12+ points in 2 years)

• 1. Serve Your Suspension Period: This is a definite period (e.S., 6 months). You must wait for this time to end.
• 2. Complete Traffic School (If Ordered): The KYTC may have required you to complete a state-approved Driver Improvement Clinic (traffic school) as part of your suspension.
• 3. Pay the KYTC Fee: Once your suspension period is over, you must pay the $40 reinstatement fee. You do not have to re-test for a point suspension.

Case 3: Revocation for “No Insurance” (FR-19)

This is a revocation, not a suspension.

• 1. Get an SR-22: You must contact an insurance company and purchase SR-22 insurance. This is a special certificate your insurer files electronically with the state. We explain the full process for getting one in our guide to SR-22 insurance.
• 2. Pay the KYTC Fee: You must pay the $40 reinstatement fee.
• 3. Re-Test: Because this is a revocation, you must book an appointment with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and pass the vision and written (permit) tests again. (The road test is often waived if your license was revoked for less than 1 year, but the written test is mandatory).

Case 4: Revocation for a DUI (Alcohol/Drug Offense)

This is the most serious revocation and has the most steps.

1. Serve Your Revocation Period: You must wait for the mandatory time to pass (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
2. Get an SR-22: You must have an SR-22 on file. This is a certificate your insurance company files for you, and it is a non-negotiable part of the reinstatement. You can learn all about it in our guide to SR-22 insurance.
3. Complete Alcohol/Drug Program: You must enroll in and complete a state-certified DUI alcohol or substance abuse treatment program. You must submit the completion certificate.
4. Pay All Fees: Pay your $40 reinstatement fee to the KYTC.
5. Re-take All Tests: Once all other items are cleared, you must book appointments to pass the vision, written, and road (driving) tests again.

How to Pay Your Fee & Get Your License

Once your compliance checklist is complete, you must pay your $40 reinstatement fee. You have two ways to do this.

Method 1: By Mail (For Most Suspensions)

If you were suspended (for points or tickets) and did not have to re-test, this is the easiest way.

1. Get a Certified Check: Get a certified check or money order for $40 payable to the “Kentucky State Treasurer.”
2. Mail Your Payment: Send the payment and a copy of your suspension notice to:Division of Driver LicensingKY Transportation Cabinet200 Mero StreetFrankfort, KY 40622

Method 2: In-Person (Mandatory for All Revocations)

If you were revoked (for DUI or no insurance), you must do this in person because you have to re-apply for a new license.

1. Book Your Appointments: You must book two separate appointments. This is the most confusing part of the Kentucky system. We have a complete guide that explains how to book your KYTC and KSP appointments.
   • First: Book with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to take your tests.
   • Second: Book with a KYTC Regional Office for “Reinstatement.”
2. Visit the KYTC Office: After you pass your tests, go to your KYTC appointment. Bring your KSP “passed” slip, your DUI course certificate, and your $40 payment. They will issue you your new license.

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