What you need to get a Kansas driver's license
Kansas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll need to visit a local driver's license office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID card), proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing and your address hasn't changed, some offices will let you renew by mail, but you'll still need to appear in person for a new photo every 6 to 8 years depending on your age.
You'll also need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test unless you're renewing a valid license. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs specific to Kansas. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, and require an in-person visit to a local office.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision screening and written knowledge test covering Kansas traffic laws.
- Standard licenses are valid for 6 years for drivers under 65 and 4 years for drivers 65 and older.
- Renewal by mail is available in some cases, but you'll need to appear in person for a new photo every 6 to 8 years.
Types of Kansas driver's licenses and who can get them
Kansas offers a standard driver's license for regular driving, a commercial driver's license (CDL) for operating trucks or buses, and a motorcycle endorsement if you want to ride motorcycles. You can also get a non-driver ID card if you don't drive but need a state-issued photo ID.
To get a standard license, you must be at least 16 years old. Drivers under 18 must complete a driver's education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 14 days before taking the road test. The learner's permit itself requires passing the written knowledge test and vision screening.
A CDL requires additional testing and medical certification. A motorcycle endorsement requires a separate riding skills test or proof of completion from an approved motorcycle safety course.
How to pass the Kansas written knowledge test
The written test has 50 questions and covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the driver's license office, and results are available when ready.
Kansas provides a free study guide on the Department of Revenue website that covers all the material on the test. The guide includes sample questions and explanations. You can also take practice tests online through the official Kansas DMV website before you visit the office.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few hours. There is no fee for retaking the test.
Kansas driver's license fees and validity periods
A standard driver's license costs $20 for a 6-year license if you're under 65, or $15 for a 4-year license if you're 65 or older. A non-driver ID card costs $10 for 6 years. A motorcycle endorsement adds $5 to your license fee. Fees are subject to change, so confirm the current cost when you visit your local office.
Your license is valid for the full term printed on it. If your license expires while you're out of state, you can still renew it by mail in most cases, though you'll need to appear in person eventually for a new photo. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
How to renew your Kansas driver's license
If your license is still valid or expired less than 5 years ago, you can renew it by mail if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo. Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about 2 to 3 weeks. You'll receive a form in the mail before your license expires, or you can request one from the Department of Revenue.
If you need a new photo, have changed your address, or your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring the same documents you would for a first-time process: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision screening.
If you're renewing in person and your license expired less than 5 years ago, you won't need to retake the written test. If it's been longer, you'll need to pass the knowledge test again.
Where to find a Kansas driver's license office
Kansas has driver's license offices in every county. The main office is in Topeka, but you can visit any local office in your county or any other county. Office hours vary by location, and some offices are open only certain days of the week. Many offices require you to take a number and wait, though some now offer online appointment scheduling.
You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The site also lists which offices offer services like CDL testing and motorcycle endorsements, since not all locations provide every service.
Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than visiting on Friday afternoons or the last day of the month.
What to do if your Kansas license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and then visit a driver's license office to request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is valid for the remainder of your original license's term.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at any driver's license office. Bring your damaged license and pay the replacement fee.
If your license was lost or stolen out of state, you can still request a replacement by mail in most cases. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to confirm whether you need to appear in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license online?
No. Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo, but you must appear in person for a new photo every 6 to 8 years. For all other renewals, you must visit a driver's license office.
How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license?
If you pass the test on your first visit, you'll receive your license on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the office. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day. Processing time for mail-in renewals is about 2 to 3 weeks.
What if I moved to Kansas from another state?
You must get a Kansas driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number. You'll need to pass the vision screening and written knowledge test unless you have a valid license from another state, in which case some offices may waive the written test.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license to fly domestically?
Yes, starting May 2025, you'll need a Real ID compliant license or passport to fly domestically in the United States. Kansas offers Real ID licenses at no extra cost. When you renew or get a new license, ask for the Real ID version and bring the required documents (birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency).
What happens if I fail the vision screening?
If you fail the vision screening, you can retake it the same day after correcting the problem — for example, by getting glasses or contacts. If you cannot pass even with correction, you may be denied a license or issued a restricted license that limits when and where you can drive.