Kansas driver's licenses renew every six years, and you can do it in person at a Kansas DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Kansas issues driver's licenses valid for six years from your birthday. When your license approaches expiration, the Kansas Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the date on your card. You have three main paths to renew: online through the Kansas DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any Kansas DMV office. Which route works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether your address or other information has changed.
The fastest option for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $96 for a six-year license. Mail renewal is cheaper at $76 but takes longer and has strict may be able to access rules. In-person renewal at a DMV office guarantees your process is processed correctly but requires you to travel and wait, and it costs the same as online.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your circumstances.
- Online renewal costs $96, takes about 10 minutes, and works if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal costs $76 but only works if you have never renewed by mail before and your license is not expired.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office costs $96 and is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have had a name change.
- You will need your Social Security number, current Kansas driver's license or ID, and a valid form of payment to renew.
Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website
The Kansas DMV website at dmv.ks.gov lets you renew online if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $96 fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to update your photo, if you have changed your name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you have any outstanding traffic violations or warrants in Kansas. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office.
Mail renewal and when it is an option
Kansas allows mail renewal only under specific conditions: your current license must not be expired, you must have never renewed by mail before, and you must not have a CDL. The fee is $76, which is $20 cheaper than online or in-person renewal. You will mail your current license, the renewal notice you received, and a check or money order to the Kansas DMV address listed on the notice.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Because of this delay, many people choose online renewal instead, even though it costs more. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive, so mail renewal works best if you renew well before your expiration date. If you have already renewed by mail once, you cannot use this method again—you must renew online or in person.
In-person renewal at a Kansas DMV office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, if you have a CDL, or if you have any holds or warrants. In-person renewal costs $96 and takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will need to bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address if it has changed.
Kansas DMV offices are located in most county seats and some larger cities. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Kansas DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting. If you are renewing because your license is expired, bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, you will need your current Kansas driver's license or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security number—have your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return handy if you are renewing in person. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing in person and have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail and your name has changed, you cannot use those methods and must go in person. For payment, online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Address changes and updating your information
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you enter your new address on the website before paying. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form or envelope. For in-person renewal, tell the DMV employee your new address when you arrive.
If you need to change your address but your license is not expiring soon, you can update it separately without renewing. Visit a DMV office with proof of your new address, and they will issue you a replacement license with the updated information for a smaller fee. This is useful if you move and do not want to wait for your regular renewal cycle.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, expect 4 to 6 weeks. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving and has the same legal weight as your plastic license until the new one arrives.
Your old license becomes invalid once your new one is issued, even if it has not yet arrived. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license with you while you wait for the plastic card, because police will ask to see it if you are stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must renew in person at a Kansas DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The fee is $96.
What if I do not receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online using your driver's license number and Social Security number, or you can go in person to any DMV office. If you want to renew by mail and did not receive the notice, contact the Kansas DMV to request one or to confirm your address on file is correct.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Kansas driver's license?
No, you can renew without a new photo if you renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A new photo is required if your current license photo is damaged or if you have changed your appearance significantly since it was taken.
How much does it cost to renew a Kansas driver's license?
Online renewal costs $96 for a six-year license. Mail renewal costs $76. In-person renewal costs $96. If you need to update your address without renewing your license, that costs less. Fees are the same whether you are renewing for the first time or renewing again.
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes, you can renew online or in person anytime within six months before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice. If you renew early, your new license will still be valid for six years from your birthday, not from the date you renew.