How to Get and Renew Your Kansas Driver License

What you need to get a Kansas driver license

Kansas issues driver licenses through the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a local driver license office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online.

Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth), proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a valid license.

The fee for a standard four-year license is $20. A six-year license costs $30. If you are 65 or older, a four-year license costs $10. Payment is cash, check, or card at the time of your visit.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Kansas driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
First-time applicants take a written knowledge test and vision test at the office; renewals of valid licenses may skip these tests.
A standard four-year license costs $20; a six-year license costs $30; seniors 65 and older pay $10 for a four-year license.
Kansas driver licenses are valid for four or six years depending on which you purchase, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Where to find a Kansas driver license office

The Department of Revenue operates driver license offices in most Kansas counties. The main office is in Topeka, but you can visit any location regardless of where you live. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch.

Use the Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and check its hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the week or early in the day usually means shorter wait times. A few locations offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait.

Renewing your Kansas driver license

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other information, you can renew by mail or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website — you do not have to visit an office.

To renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form (available on the Department of Revenue website), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. To renew online, log in to your account on the Department of Revenue website, verify your information, and pay the fee with a card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has expired, you must visit an office in person. If you have changed your name, address, or other information, you must also visit an office to update your record, even if your license is still valid.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. An expired license also means your vehicle registration may not be valid, since Kansas ties registration to a current driver license.

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must visit an office in person and may have to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Getting a REAL ID-compliant Kansas driver license

A REAL ID is a federal security standard that Kansas driver licenses can meet. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Kansas driver license without the star cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025.

To get a REAL ID license, you must visit an office in person and bring additional proof of identity and residency beyond what a standard license requires. Bring your passport, a certified birth certificate, or a consular report of birth; a document showing your current name if it differs from your birth certificate; and two documents proving Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or tax return). The fee is the same as a standard license.

If you already have a standard Kansas driver license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting an office before your current license expires. You do not have to wait for your license to expire.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a driver license office with proof of identity and proof of residency. You will receive a replacement with the same number and expiration date as your original. The replacement fee is $10.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the driver license office if you have one, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Changing your name or address on your Kansas driver license

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a driver license office to update your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address if it has also changed. There is no fee to change your name.

If you move to a new address in Kansas, you must update your address within 30 days. You can do this by mail, online, or in person. To update by mail, send your current license, the address change form (available on the Department of Revenue website), and a proof of your new address to the address listed on the form. To update online, log in to your account on the Department of Revenue website and enter your new address. There is no fee for an address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas driver license online if it is expired?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid. If your license has expired, you must visit a driver license office in person. If it expired less than one year ago, you can renew it without retaking tests. If it expired more than one year ago, you may have to retake the written knowledge test and vision test.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Kansas?

No. A standard Kansas driver license is valid for driving. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. A standard license is sufficient for all driving purposes in Kansas and other states.

How long does it take to get a Kansas driver license after I explore?

If you visit an office in person, you receive your license when ready after passing the tests and paying the fee. If you renew by mail, your new license arrives in about two weeks. If you renew online, your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or return to the office on another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most offices allow you to retake it when ready after failing, though some may ask you to come back later.

Can I get a Kansas driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Kansas requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. You cannot get a Kansas driver license without providing a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in some cases — contact your local driver license office to ask about alternatives.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.