Where to Get Your Driver's License in Topeka
In Topeka, you get your driver's license from the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Licensing Bureau. The main office is located at 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66603. This is the only place in Topeka where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renew in person.
You can also renew your Kansas driver's license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must be between 21 and 69 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or violations on your record. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to visit the office in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no appointment system, so you arrive and wait your turn. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early mornings and mid-week tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Licensing Bureau at 915 SW Harrison Street is the only place in Topeka to test and issue new licenses.
- You can renew by mail or online only if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no medical restrictions or violations.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of identity — the specific documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
- A new license costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; renewals cost $20 for four years or $40 for eight years.
- If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
Documents You Need for a New License
For a new Kansas driver's license, bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You also need proof of your current Kansas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency.
You must also bring proof of identity. A passport, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. If you don't have any of those, you can bring two documents from a list that includes a birth certificate, school ID, employee ID, or insurance card. The staff at the office can tell you exactly which combination of documents you have will work.
If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
The written test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You get 35 questions and must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the official Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Department of Revenue website or in print at the Topeka office.
Before the written test, you take a vision screening. You must be able to read a chart at 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day and will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.
If you pass the written test, you then take a photo for your license. If you fail, you can retake the test when ready at no charge, or you can leave and return another day. Most people who study the manual pass on their first try.
The Driving Test and Road Skills
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test appointment. In Topeka, the wait for a driving test appointment is typically one to three weeks, depending on how many people are ahead of you. You cannot take the driving test the same day as your written test.
For the driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You can use someone else's vehicle as long as you have their permission and proof of insurance for that vehicle.
The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is typically another wait for the next appointment.
Renewing Your License by Mail or Online
If your Kansas driver's license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions, no violations, and you are between 21 and 69 years old, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office.
To renew online, go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website and use their online renewal system. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Department of Revenue website or pick one up at the Topeka office. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive it.
Costs and License Validity
A new Kansas driver's license costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. A renewal costs the same. If you are 69 years old or older, a four-year license costs $20 and an eight-year license is not available — you must renew every four years.
Your license is valid for the number of years you choose at the time of issue. You can choose four or eight years when you first get your license or when you renew. If your license is lost or stolen, a replacement costs $20.
Kansas does not charge extra for a Real ID-compliant license. All new licenses issued in Kansas are Real ID-compliant by default, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access without a passport.
What Happens If You Fail the Test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no charge. You straightforward tell the staff you want to retake it, and they will give you another test booklet. Most people who fail study the manual more and pass on the second attempt.
If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment. There is no charge to retake the test, but you will have to wait for the next available appointment slot, which may be one to three weeks away. You can take the driving test up to three times within a 12-month period. If you fail three times, you must wait 12 months before you can test again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license in person, which means taking the written test and driving test again. You cannot renew by mail or online.
What if I move to a different address in Kansas?
You must update your address with the Kansas Department of Revenue within 10 days of moving. You can do this online through the Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at the Topeka office. You do not need a new license just to change your address.
Do I need to take the driving test again if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. If you are moving to Kansas and want a Kansas license, you must take both the written test and the driving test. Your out-of-state license does not count toward the Kansas requirement.
What if I fail the vision screening?
You cannot take the written test that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed by the doctor, and return to the office with that form. The office will then allow you to take the vision screening again.
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive in a manual transmission vehicle?
Yes. You can take the driving test in any vehicle that is registered, insured, and safe. The type of transmission does not matter for the test.