Kansas driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local KDOR office

Kansas offers three ways to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how close you are to expiration and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires more than 60 days from now, you can renew online through the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) website without visiting an office or mailing anything. If it expires within 60 days, you can still renew by mail or in person. You cannot renew online if you need a new photo — that requires either mailing in a new one or going to an office in person.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before expiration. It contains your renewal number, which you need for online renewal. If you lose the notice, you can still renew but will need your driver's license number and other identifying information instead. The renewal itself takes a few minutes online, a few days by mail, or about 15 to 30 minutes in person depending on how busy your local office is.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available if your license expires more than 60 days away and you do not need a new photo; it costs $84 for an eight-year license and takes minutes.
  • Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a completed form to KDOR; it takes one to two weeks and costs the same as online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a KDOR office is required if your license expires within 60 days or if you need a new photo; bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
  • Kansas licenses are valid for eight years from issue date, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
  • Your renewal notice contains your renewal number; if you lose it, you can still renew online using your license number and other identifying details.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is not expiring soon

Go to the KDOR online renewal portal at kdor.ks.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your renewal notice (which has your renewal number) or your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the current fee.

Online renewal costs $84 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the time of renewal. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually within five to seven business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expires within 60 days or if you need a new photo — the system will tell you when ready if you are ineligible and direct you to mail or in-person options.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

Request a mail renewal form from KDOR by calling 785-296-3671 or downloading the form from kdor.ks.gov. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $84 (payable to "Kansas Department of Revenue"). Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes one to two weeks from the time KDOR receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process once it is mailed, so allow extra time before your expiration date. If your license expires while your renewal is in the mail, you are still legal to drive as long as your process was postmarked before expiration. Keep your receipt or a photo of your postmark as proof. Mail renewal is not available if you need a new photo — you must go in person for that.

In-person renewal at a KDOR office: required for photos and urgent renewals

Visit your local KDOR office if your license expires within 60 days, if you need a new photo, or if you prefer to renew in person. Find your nearest office at kdor.ks.gov by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's website or call ahead to confirm.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card). The office will take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. In-person renewal costs $84 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is mailed to you within five to seven business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license is already expired, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must go to a KDOR office in person and explore for a new license (not a renewal). Bring the same documents as in-person renewal: current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The office will take a new photo and process your process when ready.

An expired license is still valid for identification purposes in Kansas, but you cannot legally drive with it. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. The fee for a new license after expiration is the same as renewal ($84 for eight years), but the process takes longer because the office must re-verify all your information rather than straightforward updating your existing record.

Fees, validity period, and what your new license includes

A standard Kansas driver's license costs $84 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before expiration without any penalty or extra fee. If you renew early, your new license's expiration date is eight years from the renewal date, not from the original expiration date.

Your new license includes your photo, signature, address, date of birth, license number, and driving restrictions (if any). If you have moved since your last license was issued, your address will be updated to your current address on file with KDOR. If your address has changed and you have not notified KDOR, update it before renewing — you can do this online at kdor.ks.gov or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need a new photo, you must either mail one in with your renewal form or visit a KDOR office in person during a trip to Kansas. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow Kansas residents to renew at their local DMV, but you should contact KDOR first to confirm whether your state participates.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must go to a KDOR office in person and bring a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue a new license with your current photo.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?

No. Renewal does not require any test. You only take a written test and driving test when you first get a Kansas license or when your license has been suspended or revoked. Renewal is straightforward updating your existing license.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online without the notice. Use your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead of the renewal number. The KDOR system will verify your identity and let you proceed.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by KDOR. Contact KDOR at 785-296-3671 to find out what you need to do before you can renew.