What you need to get a Kansas driver's license

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

Bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your Kansas address.

You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. If you're under 16, Kansas requires a parent or guardian to be present. The fee for a standard four-year license is $88; an eight-year license costs $176.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Kansas driver's license office in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
  • All applicants take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; you cannot take the test online.
  • A standard four-year Kansas license costs $88, and an eight-year license costs $176.
  • Licenses expire on your birthday four or eight years after issue, and you can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.
  • Kansas offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.

Finding a driver's license office near you

Kansas operates driver's license offices in most counties. The Kansas Department of Revenue website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Many offices are located in county courthouses or separate state buildings.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, but others operate by appointment only, and wait times vary widely. During peak times — typically mid-month and before holidays — offices may have long lines or book appointments weeks in advance.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile license units that travel to smaller towns on a set schedule. Check your county's website or call the main Kansas Department of Revenue line at 785-296-3671 to ask about mobile services in your area.

Renewing your Kansas license by mail

If your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you're renewing before it expires, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Kansas will mail you a renewal form about 60 days before your license expires.

Complete the form, include a new photo (either a recent passport-style photo or have the office take one when you submit your renewal), and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. If you don't receive a renewal form in the mail, you can request one by calling the Kansas Department of Revenue or visiting their website.

Mail renewal is not available if you have a suspended license, medical restrictions, or if you need to update your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for you

Kansas offers REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, which meet federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID license will be required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings.

A REAL ID license looks like a standard Kansas license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. Getting one requires the same documents as a regular license — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — plus proof that your name has not changed since your birth certificate was issued (or documentation of any legal name changes).

If you already have a Kansas license without the star, you can upgrade to REAL ID at your next renewal or by visiting a driver's license office before May 2025. There is no extra fee for REAL ID compliance. If you don't have a REAL ID license by May 7, 2025, you'll need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A Kansas driver's license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or driving under the influence. A revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions set by the court or the Kansas Department of Revenue.

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it by mail. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension — this might include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof that you've resolved the underlying issue.

If your license is revoked, you may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, which varies depending on the reason for revocation. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue or the court that issued the revocation to learn what steps you need to take and how long you must wait.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a driver's license office with proof of identity and residency. You don't need to retake the written test or vision test — the office will issue a replacement with the same information as your original license.

The replacement fee is $20. Processing is usually when ready or within a few days if the office needs to order a new card. If your license was stolen, consider reporting it to local police; some offices ask for a police report number when issuing a replacement.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license. Kansas issues these on the spot, and they're valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license online?

No. Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions, but you cannot renew through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. If you're not may be able to access for mail renewal, you must visit an office in person.

What happens if my license expires while I'm out of state?

You can still drive on an expired Kansas license for a short time in most states, but you should renew as soon as you return to Kansas. If you're out of state for an extended period, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about options for renewing by mail or extending your important date.

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

No. A standard Kansas driver's license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the state and in other states. REAL ID is only required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You can continue to drive with a non-REAL ID license indefinitely.

How many points do I get for a traffic violation in Kansas?

Points vary by violation. Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit is 1 point; speeding 31+ mph over is 4 points. Reckless driving is 4 points; failure to yield is 3 points. Accumulating 12 points in 12 months results in a 30-day suspension. You can view your current points on the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call 785-296-3671.

Can I get a Kansas license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Kansas issues licenses to non-citizens with valid immigration documents. Bring your passport, visa, or other federal immigration documents along with proof of Kansas residency and your ITIN if you don't have a Social Security number. Some offices may require additional documentation, so call ahead to confirm what you need.