What you need to know about Kansas driver's licenses
A Kansas driver's license is issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. You need one to drive legally in Kansas, and you'll use it as your primary ID for most transactions. The state issues licenses valid for six years for drivers under 65, and four years for drivers 65 and older. Renewal happens by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation and how much time is left before expiration.
The process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Each path has different document requirements and timelines. Understanding which category you fall into will save you a trip to a driver's license office.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years (four years if you're 65 or older) and are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles.
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person, but online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you meet other specific conditions.
- First-time applicants must visit a driver's license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Kansas residency.
- Replacement licenses for lost or stolen cards cost the same as renewal and can be ordered through the mail or obtained in person.
- Vision tests are required for new licenses and some renewals, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Getting your first Kansas driver's license
If you've never held a Kansas license, you must explore in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license office. You cannot do this by mail or online. You'll need to bring your original birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and two documents proving your Kansas address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You'll also take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving skills test. The written test can be taken in multiple languages. Once you pass all three tests, you'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. The fee for a new license is set by Kansas law and does not vary by county.
Renewing your Kansas license by mail
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail. The Kansas Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. You don't have to wait for the notice to arrive—you can request a renewal form from the Division of Vehicles website or by calling your local driver's license office.
Mail in the renewal form with your current license, the fee, and a new photo (which you can have taken at most driver's license offices or use a passport photo). You do not need to take any tests. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you've changed your name or address, you'll need to visit an office in person instead.
Renewing your Kansas license online
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and you are not changing your name or address. You'll log into the Kansas Department of Revenue's online portal, answer questions about your current information, and upload a digital photo. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card.
Your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you don't meet the conditions for online renewal—for example, if your license has already expired or you need to update your address—you must renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing your Kansas license in person
You can renew in person at any Kansas driver's license office if you prefer not to use mail or online options. This is also required if you're changing your name, address, or other information on your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you've moved, and the fee. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary license when ready; your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.
In-person renewal is useful if your license is damaged or if you want to update your information at the same time. Vision tests are not required for in-person renewal unless your current license shows vision restrictions or you request one.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can order a replacement by mail or in person. By mail, send a letter to the Kansas Department of Revenue explaining what happened, include the fee, and provide a new photo. Your replacement arrives within two to three weeks. In person, visit any driver's license office with the fee and a new photo, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot.
A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is valid for the remainder of your current license's expiration date. If your license was stolen, consider reporting the theft to local police and keeping a copy of the report for your records, though it's not required to order a replacement.
Documents you'll need for any transaction
The documents required depend on whether you're explore for the first time, renewing, or replacing. For a first-time process, bring your original birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or number, and two proofs of Kansas residency. For renewal or replacement, bring your current license and the fee. If you're changing your name or address, bring proof of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill with your new address).
All documents must be originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If you don't have an original birth certificate, you can order one from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's vital records office. Processing times vary depending on whether you explore by mail, online, or in person, so plan ahead if you have a important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if it's already expired?
Yes, but only by mail or in person. Online renewal is not available for expired licenses. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than two years ago, you may need to visit an office in person or reapply as a new driver.
How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license?
If you explore in person for a new license, you receive a temporary license the same day after passing the tests. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. For renewals by mail or online, the new license arrives within two to three weeks. Processing times may be longer during peak periods.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
When you explore in person, you get a temporary license when ready that is valid for driving. If you applied by mail or online, you can visit a driver's license office and request a temporary license in person while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.
Do I need a vision test to renew my license?
Vision tests are not required for mail or online renewal unless your current license has vision restrictions. If you renew in person, a vision test is only required if your license shows restrictions or you request one. For new licenses, a vision test is always required.
What happens if I move to Kansas from another state?
You must obtain a Kansas license within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit a driver's license office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of your new Kansas address, and your Social Security card. You'll take a written test and vision test but not a driving skills test. Your new Kansas license arrives by mail within two weeks.