Kansas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, at physical office locations across the state

You cannot get a Kansas driver's license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License office in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. The state operates offices in most counties, and you can go to any location — you do not have to use the one nearest your home or where you live.

The main office is the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles headquarters in Topeka, but that location handles the same transactions as any county office. Smaller towns may have limited hours or fewer services, so checking ahead saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Kansas driver's licenses are issued only at physical Department of Revenue offices; there is no online or mail option.
  • You can visit any county office in the state, not just the one in your county, and hours vary by location.
  • You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The fee for a standard four-year license is $20; a Real ID license costs $27, and both must be renewed in person.
  • Vision and written tests are given at the office on the day you explore, and you can retake either test if you do not pass the first time.

How to find the office nearest you

The Kansas Department of Revenue website lists all Driver License offices by county, with addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. You can search by county name or city. Many offices are located inside county courthouses or government buildings, not in standalone DMV-style facilities.

Call ahead before you go. Hours change seasonally, some offices close for lunch, and a few locations operate by appointment only or have reduced hours on certain days. The phone number for each office is on the state website, and staff can tell you how long the wait typically is at that time of day.

If you live near a state border, you may find it faster to use an office in an adjacent county rather than traveling farther to your home county office. There is no residency requirement for which office you use.

Documents you need to bring

Kansas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot get a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (not a hospital copy), a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count.

For proof of Kansas residency, bring a recent document showing your name and a Kansas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not count unless it shows your address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the office staff what they will accept; some offices have workarounds.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card or a letter from the IRS. You must provide one or the other.

What happens during your visit

You will fill out an process form (DL-43) at the office. Staff will check your documents, take a photo, and conduct a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will then take a written test on Kansas traffic laws — 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

If you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with an examiner. The test includes basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and backing up. It lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the office. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

If you pass both tests, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait.

Fees and license types

A standard four-year driver's license costs $20. A Real ID-compliant license costs $27 and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Real ID licenses have a gold star or marking in the upper right corner. Both types are valid for four years from the date of issue.

If you are 65 or older, a four-year license costs $10 and a Real ID license costs $13.50. If you are renewing (not getting your first license), the cost is the same but you may be able to renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — ask at the office.

The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some smaller offices may accept only cash or check, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Retaking the written or driving test

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it when ready at most offices, though some may ask you to come back another day. There is no additional fee for retakes. You get three attempts within a certain period; if you fail all three, you must wait a set time before trying again — ask the office for the exact waiting period, as it varies.

If you do not pass the driving test, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days. There is no fee for retakes. You are allowed multiple attempts, but the office may require you to wait between tests or to show proof of additional practice.

Real ID requirements and the federal important date

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star and meets federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Kansas has been issuing Real ID licenses since 2009. You do not have to get one — a standard license is still valid for driving — but you will need a Real ID license, passport, or military ID to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base.

The federal government has not set a hard important date for Real ID adoption, though the requirement has been in effect since 2020. If you plan to fly, getting a Real ID license now avoids the need to carry a passport as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Kansas requires all renewals to be done in person at a Driver License office. You must bring the same documents as a first-time applicant, retake the vision test, and pay the renewal fee. Some states allow mail renewal, but Kansas does not.

What if I lost my documents or do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified birth certificate from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Vital Statistics office, by mail or in person. It takes one to two weeks by mail. If you do not have a birth certificate, a passport or military ID can substitute as proof of identity. Call your local Driver License office to confirm what they will accept in your situation.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Kansas requires all applicants to pass the written test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You do not have to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year, but you still take the written test.

What if I fail the driving test — can I try again the same day?

Most offices allow you to retake the driving test the same day or within a few days, but policies vary by location. Call the office where you took the test to ask about scheduling your next attempt. There is no fee for retakes.

Can I use a digital copy of my documents instead of the original?

No. Kansas requires original documents or certified copies. A photo or PDF on your phone will not be accepted. Bring the physical document itself.