Renewing Your Kansas Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Kansas driver's license through three routes: online at the Kansas Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver's license office. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. The method you choose depends on whether your license has expired, how soon you need it, and whether you want to change your address or other information.
Kansas allows online renewal up to one year before your license expires and up to five years after it expires. By-mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and works up to one year before expiration and five years after.
- By-mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal but is only available if your license is not expired and you have not used mail renewal in the past two years.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
- You will need your current Kansas driver's license or ID card, proof of Kansas residency, and payment by credit card, debit card, or check for any renewal method.
- Standard renewal takes about two weeks by mail and one to two weeks online; in-person renewal is when ready but requires a visit to a local office.
Online Renewal Through the Kansas Department of Revenue
Online renewal is the fastest and most common method. Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need to pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The system will confirm your address and other information on file; if anything has changed, you cannot update it online and must renew in person instead.
After you complete the online transaction, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is open to anyone whose license is not expired or expired no more than five years ago, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
By-Mail Renewal for Unexpired Licenses
Mail renewal is cheaper than in-person renewal and requires no office visit. You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail within the past two years. To renew by mail, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to request a renewal process, or read the form from their website. Complete the form, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the department receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal instead. If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address separately before renewing by mail.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office
Visit a local driver's license office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current Kansas driver's license or ID card, proof of Kansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive your new license when ready or within a few days, depending on the office.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision test. Call your local driver's license office before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you will need. Office hours and wait times vary by location; many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Kansas driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you renew it for. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Online and by-mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue or your local driver's license office for the exact current fee, as amounts change periodically.
If you renew online or by mail and your payment is declined, the department will contact you. If you renew in person and your payment is declined, you will need to provide another form of payment before you leave the office.
What to Bring and How to Find Your Local Office
For any renewal method, have your current Kansas driver's license or ID card ready. For in-person renewal, bring proof of Kansas residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the past 60 days. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of your proof of residency with your process.
To find your nearest driver's license office, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and search by county or city. The website lists office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Many offices are located in county courthouses or separate state buildings. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether you need an appointment.
Renewing an Expired License or Changing Your Information
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, you must renew in person; online and by-mail renewal do not allow changes to your record.
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents when you renew in person. The driver's license office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license if I live out of state?
No. Kansas requires proof of current residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Kansas but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file is still in Kansas.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you need your license sooner, visit a driver's license office in person to renew when ready.
What happens if I renew online but my address has changed?
Online renewal will not allow you to update your address. You must renew in person at a driver's license office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new Kansas residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days) along with your current license.
Do I need to retake the written test to renew my license?
No, unless your license expired more than five years ago. If your license is current or expired less than five years ago, you can renew without retaking any tests. If it expired more than five years ago, the driver's license office will tell you whether you must retake the written and vision tests when you renew in person.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Contact them directly to learn what steps are required before you can renew.