What you need to get a Kansas driver's license
Kansas issues driver's licenses through the Division of Vehicles, which operates driver's license offices in every county. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a local office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online.
Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or certified vital record), proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing, bring your current or expired license. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a valid license.
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Kansas. You can study the Kansas Driver's Manual, which the Division of Vehicles publishes online for free. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to return on another day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Division of Vehicles office in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision test and written knowledge test; renewals of valid licenses do not require retesting.
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years for adults under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older.
- The fee for a new license is $20; renewal costs $20 for a six-year license or $15 for a four-year license.
- You can find your county's office location and hours on the Division of Vehicles website.
License types and what each one covers
Kansas issues a Class D license for regular passenger vehicle operation. This is the standard license most drivers hold. You can drive a car, pickup truck, or van with a Class D license.
A Class C license is for drivers 14 to 16 years old and comes with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers under 18 unless a parent or guardian is present. A Class C license is valid for four years.
If you operate a truck over 26,000 pounds or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). CDL applicants must pass additional tests and medical examinations. Kansas also issues endorsements — additional qualifications added to your license — for motorcycles (M), school buses (S), and other vehicle types.
How to renew your Kansas license
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year, you can renew it in person at any Division of Vehicles office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will not need to retake the written test or vision test for a standard renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore as a new applicant and pass both the vision and written tests again. You will also need to bring proof of identity and residency.
Kansas does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit an office in person. Processing typically takes a few minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Fees and what affects the cost
A new Class D license costs $20 and is valid for six years. If you are 65 or older, you can choose a four-year license for $15 instead. A Class C license for young drivers costs $15 and is valid for four years.
Motorcycle endorsements add $10 to the license fee. School bus endorsements add $5. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $10. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; confirm the exact amount when you visit your local office.
Kansas accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. A few rural locations may accept cash only, so call ahead if you are unsure.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
Report a lost or stolen license to your local Division of Vehicles office as soon as you can. You will need to show proof of identity and residency. The office will cancel your old license and issue a replacement for $10. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card within two to three weeks.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at the same cost. Bring the damaged license and your proof of identity.
If you lose your license before a trip, ask the office for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive.
Preparing for the written knowledge test
The Kansas written test has 25 questions and covers traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and road signs. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
Study the Kansas Driver's Manual, available free on the Division of Vehicles website. The manual covers every topic on the test. Many county offices also have printed copies available. Some people use online practice tests, which can help you get familiar with the format, though the official manual is the most reliable source.
If you fail the test, you can retake it when ready at most offices. There is no additional fee for retakes. If you fail twice in one day, some offices will ask you to return on a different day before you can test again.
Vision testing and medical requirements
All new applicants and drivers renewing after more than one year of expiration must pass a vision test at the Division of Vehicles office. The test checks your visual acuity and peripheral vision. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive a license until you correct the problem — usually by getting new glasses or contacts — and return to retake the test.
Drivers 65 and older must renew their licenses every four years instead of six, and some counties may require a medical examination or doctor's certification. Call your county office to ask whether a medical form is needed before you visit.
Finding your local Division of Vehicles office
Kansas has a Division of Vehicles office in each of the state's 105 counties. You can visit any county office, not just the one where you live. The Division of Vehicles website has a searchable directory with office locations, phone numbers, and hours of operation.
Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours one evening per week. A few rural offices have limited hours, so check before you drive there. You can also call your county office to ask about wait times — some offices are busier on certain days.
If you cannot visit during regular hours, some offices offer Saturday appointments. Call ahead to reserve a time slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?
No. You must renew in person at a Kansas Division of Vehicles office. If you have moved out of state, you should transfer to your new state's license. If you still own property in Kansas or plan to return, contact your county office to ask about your options.
What happens if my license expires while I am traveling?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas. If you know your license will expire soon, renew it before you travel. If it expires while you are away, you can renew it when you return, but you should not drive until it is renewed.
Do I need a Real ID-compliant license to fly?
Yes. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board a domestic flight. Kansas Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. Ask for a Real ID license when you renew, or visit your county office to upgrade your current license for $10.
Can I change my name on my Kansas license without renewing?
Yes. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change to your county office. The fee to update your name is $10. You will receive a new license with your updated name.
What if I fail the vision test?
You cannot receive a license until you correct the vision problem. Get new glasses or contacts if needed, then return to the office to retake the test. There is no fee for the retest. Bring your new glasses or contacts with you.