Kansas driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Kansas issues driver's licenses that are valid for six years from the date of issue. When your license is about to expire, the Kansas Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the expiration date. You have three ways to renew: online through the Kansas DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a local DMV office. Which method works for you depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a Real ID-compliant license, and how quickly you need the new license.

The renewal fee in Kansas is $20 for a standard six-year license, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method. Your choice of renewal method affects how long you wait for your new license and what documents you need to bring or mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years, and the DMV mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a Real ID upgrade, taking five to seven business days for delivery.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks for delivery.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you've moved, need a Real ID, or want to change your photo or information.
  • The renewal fee is $20 for a standard six-year license, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your renewal method.

Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest method if you're may be able to access. You can renew online at the Kansas DMV website if your current license is not expired, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, and you don't need a Real ID-compliant license. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.

To renew online, you'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You'll also confirm your address and answer a few security questions. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure it's current before you start.

Online renewal is not available if you've had a name change, address change, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID. You also cannot renew online if your license has already expired or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. Complete the renewal notice, sign it, and mail it back to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for $20. Do not send cash. Include a copy of a document that shows your current address if you've moved since your last renewal.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. You should mail your renewal notice at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. Keep a copy of your renewal notice or the confirmation number for your records in case you need to follow up.

If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a new one by calling the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 or by visiting a local DMV office in person.

In-person renewal at a Kansas DMV office

You must renew in person if your address has changed, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or other information on your license. You'll also need to renew in person if your license has already expired or if you have a commercial driver's license.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $20 by check, money order, or card. If you've had a name change, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you're upgrading to a Real ID, you'll also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and a second form of ID.

Visit the Kansas DMV office locator on the state website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. Your new license will be issued on the spot if everything is in order, though you may be given a temporary paper license to use while your photo ID is being produced.

Real ID requirements for Kansas driver's licenses

Kansas offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025, you'll need either a Real ID license or a passport.

To upgrade to a Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal: $20.

If you're renewing by mail or online and want to upgrade to Real ID, you'll need to visit a DMV office instead, as those methods do not support Real ID upgrades.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Kansas DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of address, and $20. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas, so renew as soon as possible.

If your license expired more than one year ago, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you'll need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes five to seven business days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a license on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license while your photo ID is being produced.

Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or in person up to one year before your license expires. You cannot renew by mail without the renewal notice, but you can request a new notice by calling the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If you've moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Kansas?

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for driving. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A passport also satisfies this requirement.

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

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you're out of state. Renew before you travel, or if your license expires while you're away, contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 to ask about your options for renewing remotely or by mail.