Kansas driver's licenses renew every six years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Kansas DMV office
Kansas issues driver's licenses that expire six years from the date they were issued. You can renew before expiration, and the state offers three main routes: online through the Kansas DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and what documents you have on hand.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to bring your current license and other documents to a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and documents.
- Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have your renewal code.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you received a renewal notice with your renewal code.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you need a new photo.
- Fees vary by renewal method, and Kansas accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or check depending on which route you choose.
Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license has not expired and you have your renewal code. Go to the Kansas DMV website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and renewal code from your notice. You will answer questions about any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions, and you can upload a new photo if you want one or keep your current photo on file.
The fee for online renewal is lower than in-person renewal. You pay by credit card or debit card during the process. Once approved, your new license is mailed to your address on file, which typically takes five to seven business days after approval. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your name, or if you want a new photo and do not have a way to upload one. In those cases, you will need to renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal if you have a valid license and renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you received a renewal notice in the mail. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, include your current license, and mail the packet to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—Kansas does not accept credit cards by mail.
Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal, typically two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Your current license stays valid during this time. Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or if you are out of state and cannot visit a DMV office in person.
Do not mail your renewal if your license has already expired, because expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail. You will need to go to a DMV office instead.
In-person renewal at a Kansas DMV office
Renew in person at any Kansas DMV office if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you did not receive a renewal notice. Bring your current license (even if expired), proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security number. If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You will have a new photo taken at the office unless you request to keep your current photo. The fee for in-person renewal is higher than online or mail renewal. You can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card at the office. Your new license is issued on the spot or mailed to you depending on the office and the type of license you are renewing.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Many Kansas DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Kansas DMV website, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are usually seen first.
Documents and fees for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Methods | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Valid license, renewal code from notice | Credit or debit card | 5–7 business days after approval |
| Valid license, renewal notice, renewal form | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks from receipt | |
| In-person | Current or expired license, proof of address, Social Security number | Cash, check, credit card, debit card | Same day or mailed within 1–2 weeks |
Renewal fees in Kansas depend on the type of license and the renewal method. Online and mail renewal typically cost less than in-person renewal because the state does not have to process your process at an office. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with special endorsements, the fee may be higher. The Kansas DMV website lists current fees for each type of license and renewal method.
Some DMV offices charge a small additional fee if you schedule an appointment online, while walk-ins do not pay this fee. Check with your local office to see whether appointment fees explore in your area.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Kansas DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken, and the office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this situation.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, the DMV may require additional documents or may ask you to take a written test or vision test. Call your local Kansas DMV office to find out what you need before you go in person.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved, you can update your address during any renewal method. Online and mail renewal allow you to enter your new address on the form. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Your new license will show your new name and will be mailed to your address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires or until your new license arrives, whichever comes first. You can drive legally during the entire renewal process for online, mail, or in-person renewal.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew without the notice. Go to a DMV office in person with your current license, proof of address, and Social Security number. You can also call your local DMV office to ask if they can mail you a replacement notice or provide your renewal code over the phone.
Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?
For online renewal, you can keep your current photo or upload a new one. For mail renewal, your current photo stays on your license. For in-person renewal, the DMV takes a new photo unless you specifically request to keep your current one.
How long does my new license take to arrive by mail?
Online renewal typically takes five to seven business days after approval. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. In-person renewal may be issued the same day or mailed within one to two weeks depending on the office.
What if my name or address changed since my last renewal?
For address changes, you can update online or by mail. For name changes, you must go in person with a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.