Reinstating a Driver's License in Kentucky

Your suspension notice from the Division of Driver Licensing says whether a fee is required; a $40 reinstatement/re-licensing fee may be required whenever your privilege is suspended. Paying the fee alone does not restore your privileges: all suspension requirements must be met, and paying a fine does not end a suspension for unpaid fines until the reinstatement fee is also paid. Pay online through myDrive (in-state license holders with a linked account and Letter ID; card processing fee applies), at any Driver Licensing Regional office, by phone at 502-564-1257, or by mail with a certified check or money order payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer" to the Division of Driver Licensing, Attn: Central Section, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622. No testing is required for suspensions under one year; vision and written tests are required after suspensions over one year. An active ID card must be canceled before paying the fee.

Suspension reasons verified on official pages: reaching the point threshold (12 points in two years for adults, 7 for drivers under 18), speeding 26 mph or more over the limit (90 days or probation after a hearing), and DUI convictions (see first-offense DUI). Before reinstatement after a DUI suspension, the driver must complete the required alcohol or substance abuse treatment or education program.

A person suspended for DUI may apply for an ignition interlock license, which allows driving only a vehicle with an interlock device during the suspension (it can be applied for at any time, including while a refusal suspension is pending). A court-granted hardship license (for work, school, medical care or required programs) is available only for suspensions under the drug-related DUI provisions (KRS 189A.010(1)(c) or (d)) and not when a test was refused.