How Kansas driver's license renewal works
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver's License office. The method you choose depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Kansas license is valid for six years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, which means you don't have to wait until the last minute. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas offers online renewal through the KDOR website for most drivers, which is the fastest method and requires no office visit.
- You can renew by mail by requesting a form from the Kansas Department of Revenue, though this takes longer than online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver's License office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photo.
- The renewal fee is $84 for a six-year license (standard) or $56 for a four-year license (age 65+), and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
- You will need your current Kansas license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Renewing online through the Kansas Department of Revenue
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no office visit. Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current Kansas license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will verify your information against state records and, if everything matches, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.
Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid or expired for no more than five years, you're under 65, and you don't need a new photo. If you're renewing early (before your expiration date), you can do this online as well. After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, contact the Kansas Driver's License Bureau at 785-296-3671 or visit a local Driver's License office to request a renewal form. Fill out the form, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address provided on the form. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks from the date the office receives your materials.
Mail renewal works for most drivers, but you cannot use this method if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photo due to a name change or other legal reason. If you're unsure whether mail renewal is an option for your situation, call the Driver's License Bureau before sending in your materials.
Renewing in person at a Driver's License office
Visit your local Driver's License office if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current Kansas license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and a valid payment method. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
Wait times at Driver's License offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busier in the morning and on weekdays near the end of the month. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online.
What to do if your license is expired
If your Kansas license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew online or by mail using the methods described above. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver's License office. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request.
If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for other reasons, bring documentation of that circumstance to the Driver's License office. The office staff can review your situation and may be able to help you renew without penalty, though this is handled case-by-case.
Renewal fees and payment
The standard renewal fee for a six-year Kansas driver's license is $84. If you're 65 or older, you can renew for four years instead of six, and the fee for that is $56. These fees cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, while mail renewals require a check or money order.
There are no additional fees for renewing early or for standard renewal. If you need a replacement license due to loss or damage, that is a separate transaction with its own fee, not a renewal.
After you renew
Once your renewal is processed, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take longer, usually three to four weeks. You can continue to drive using your old license until your new one arrives, as long as your old license is still valid or was valid when you submitted the renewal.
If you move before your new license arrives, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to update your address. Your license will be held at the Driver's License office closest to your new address, and you can pick it up in person or request that it be mailed to your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is currently valid or expired for no more than five years. If you're out of state and your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to renew in person at a Kansas Driver's License office when you return to the state.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a Driver's License office and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also receive a new photo as part of this renewal. Call ahead to confirm what documents the office needs.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo if it's still acceptable. You will need a new photo if you're renewing in person, if your name has changed, or if the office determines your current photo no longer meets standards. When you renew online, the system will tell you whether a new photo is required.
What happens if I renew online but don't receive my license?
Contact the Kansas Driver's License Bureau at 785-296-3671 to report the missing license. They can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if needed. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.
Can I renew my license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning to travel or if you prefer not to wait until the last minute. Your new license will have a new expiration date six years (or four years if you're 65+) from the date you renew.