What you need to renew your Kansas driver's license
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Kansas DMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license has expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal.
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website is the fastest option if your license expired less than one year ago and you haven't changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you've had a name change.
- You'll need a valid form of ID, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN for any renewal method.
- Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it's valid for — typically between $87 and $120 for a standard license.
Renewing online through the Kansas DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if you're may be able to access. Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue's online services portal and create an account or log in if you already have one. You'll answer questions about your current license, confirm your personal information, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
Online renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago, you haven't changed your name, and you don't have any medical conditions that need to be reviewed. The process takes about 15 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to your Kansas address within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. Request a renewal form from the Kansas Department of Revenue by calling 785-296-3671, or read the form from their website. Fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it along with a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your packet. There's no way to track your process by mail, so if you need your license by a specific date, plan ahead. If you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status.
Renewing in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, you've changed your name, or you have medical conditions that need review. Find your nearest Kansas Department of Revenue office on their website — there are offices in most Kansas counties. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current license or expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Kansas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents you'll need for any renewal method
All renewal methods require proof of identity and proof of Kansas residency. For identity, bring your current or expired Kansas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a birth certificate. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy with your current Kansas address.
You'll also need your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Have this number ready whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Kansas driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year license costs $87. A six-year license costs $120. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has different fees depending on the endorsements you carry. You can pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose at renewal — four or six years. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will have the same expiration date as the period you selected. If you renew in person, the staff will tell you the exact expiration date before you complete the transaction.
What to do if your name has changed
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity and residency as described above.
The staff will verify your name change documents, take a new photo, and issue your new license with your updated name. This process cannot be done online or by mail, so plan to visit an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license if I'm out of state?
Yes. If you're out of state, you can renew online if you're may be able to access, or by mail. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it from anywhere with internet access. Mail renewal also works from out of state; just mail your completed form and documents to the Kansas Department of Revenue address on the form.
What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for my renewal?
If you've already submitted your renewal process online or by mail, you can drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license that's valid until your permanent license arrives. Keep that temporary license with you while driving.
How much does it cost to renew a Kansas driver's license?
A standard four-year license costs $87, and a six-year license costs $120. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees based on the type and endorsements. You pay the fee when you submit your renewal process, whether online, by mail, or in person.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Kansas does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may report unpaid fines to the Department of Revenue. If your renewal is denied, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why. You may need to resolve the fine before you can renew.
What if I need my new license before the standard mailing time?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready that's valid until your permanent license arrives. If you renewed by mail or online and need your license faster, visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person with your temporary paper license or expired license, and they can issue you a new one on the spot for an expedited fee.