Renewing your Kansas 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. Online renewal is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need to update your address, or you want to add the REAL ID star to your license.
Your renewal method depends on when your license expires and what information needs updating. The Kansas Department of Revenue sends renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website works for most people and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
- Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired less than five years ago and your medical status and restrictions have not changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need to change your address, or you want to add REAL ID.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for the renewal notice from Kansas.
- The fee for renewal is the same regardless of method: $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.
Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue
Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at sos.kansas.gov/dol. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address, phone number, and email.
Online renewal works only if your license is not currently expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions on your license, and you do not need to change your name or address. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will be directed to renew in person instead. After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card, you will receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than five years
If your license expired less than five years ago and your medical status has not changed, you can renew by mail. The Kansas Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you fill out and mail back with your payment.
Do not wait for the notice if you want to renew early. You can read the renewal form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the department receives your envelope. This method does not work if your license is expired by more than five years, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to update your address or name.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you have medical restrictions or conditions, or if you want to add the REAL ID star to your license. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Find your nearest driver's license office on the Kansas Department of Revenue website and check their hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee at the office and receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number | About 10 minutes |
| Completed renewal form, payment, current driver's license | 2 to 3 weeks after mailed | |
| In-person | Current driver's license, proof of address (utility bill or lease), Social Security card or document with SSN | 15 to 30 minutes at office |
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Kansas charges $20 for a four-year driver's license or $40 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. When you renew, you choose which term you want. An eight-year license costs more but means you will not have to renew again for eight years instead of four.
Your new license will be valid for the term you choose, starting from the date you renew. If you renew before your current license expires, your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means renewing early does not extend your total time — it resets the clock.
Adding REAL ID when you renew
If you want your new license to have the REAL ID star, you must renew in person. REAL ID is a federal security standard that allows you to use your Kansas driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. You cannot add REAL ID through online or mail renewal.
To get REAL ID, bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address, your Social Security card or document with your SSN, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document). The fee is the same whether you get REAL ID or not. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days with the gold star in the top right corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than five years ago. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or a document with your SSN.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You must renew in person if you need to change your address. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and Social Security card.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewal both result in a license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your envelope. You receive a temporary license when ready with online renewal or at the office with in-person renewal.
Do I have to wait for my renewal notice to renew my license?
No. You can renew up to one year before your license expires without waiting for the notice. If you want to renew by mail, you can read the form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website and mail it with your payment.
What is the difference between a four-year and eight-year license?
A four-year license costs $20 and an eight-year license costs $40. Both are valid for their stated term. Choose the eight-year license if you want to renew less often, or the four-year license if you prefer to update your information more frequently.