What you need to know about Kansas driver licenses
A Kansas driver 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 a form of identification in many situations beyond driving — at banks, airports, and when you're asked for ID. The process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Kansas from another state.
Kansas offers a standard driver license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID version meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Both are valid for driving; the difference is what you can use them for outside of driving.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kansas Division of Vehicles office in person — you cannot renew online or by mail, though you can renew by phone in limited circumstances.
- A standard driver license costs $20 and is valid for four years; a Real ID license costs $25 and is also valid for four years.
- You'll need proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- First-time drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before taking the driving test.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which is useful if you know you'll be out of state when it expires.
Documents you need to bring to the office
The Kansas Division of Vehicles requires specific documents depending on your situation. For any new or renewed license, bring a document proving your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work. You also need proof that you live in Kansas: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will do.
You must provide your Social Security number or, if you don't have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you're renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license if you have one.
If you're under 18, bring proof that you've completed a driver education course. The course can be taken online or in person through a Kansas-approved provider. You'll also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the office.
Getting your first Kansas driver license
If you've never had a driver license in Kansas, you start with a learner's permit. You must be at least 14 years old. Visit a Division of Vehicles office with your documents, pass a written test on Kansas traffic laws, and pay the permit fee (currently $10). You'll receive your permit on the spot.
After you have your learner's permit, you must wait a set period before you can take the driving test. If you're under 16, you wait 14 days. If you're 16 or older, you wait 7 days. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You cannot drive alone.
When you're ready, return to a Division of Vehicles office to take the driving test. You'll drive with an examiner who watches your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, you receive your driver license. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, though you may have to pay the test fee again.
Renewing your Kansas driver license
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Most people renew in person at a Division of Vehicles office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Kansas residency. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot.
In limited cases, you can renew by phone or mail. You're may be able to access if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you're not changing your name. Call the Division of Vehicles to ask whether you may have access to. If you do, you'll pay the renewal fee over the phone and receive your new license by mail within two weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew — you must reapply as if getting a new license, which means taking the written test again and possibly the driving test, depending on how long it's been expired.
Real ID versus standard driver license
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. You need it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building like a courthouse or military base. A standard Kansas driver license does not have this star and is not accepted for these purposes, though it's still valid for driving.
Getting a Real ID takes the same steps as getting a standard license, but costs $5 more ($25 instead of $20). You'll need the same documents, plus additional proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. The process takes the same amount of time, and both types of license are valid for four years.
If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting an office and paying the difference. You don't have to wait for your current license to expire.
Moving to Kansas from another state
If you move to Kansas and have a valid driver license from another state, you can drive legally in Kansas for a limited time. However, you must get a Kansas license within a certain period — typically 30 days after establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Kansas residency to a Division of Vehicles office.
You won't have to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you're at least 18 years old. The office will issue your Kansas license on the spot. If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to take the written test and possibly the driving test.
Where to find a Division of Vehicles office
The Kansas Department of Revenue operates Division of Vehicles offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Offices are located in most county seats and some larger cities. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Some offices are busier than others, especially at the beginning of the month or near holidays. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead or visit early in the day on a weekday. A few offices offer online appointment scheduling, which you can check on the Department of Revenue website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my driver license?
Visit a Division of Vehicles office and report it lost. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $10) and receive a new license on the spot. The new license will have the same expiration date as your old one.
Can I change my name on my driver license without renewing?
Yes. Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of residency to a Division of Vehicles office. You'll pay a small fee and receive an updated license with your new name and the same expiration date.
What happens if I drive without a valid Kansas license?
Driving without a valid license is a traffic violation in Kansas. Penalties include fines, possible jail time, and a mark on your driving record. If you're driving with an expired license, renewing it as soon as possible is important to avoid further legal issues.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Kansas?
No. A standard Kansas driver license is all you need to drive legally in Kansas. You only need Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard license works for all driving purposes.
How long does it take to get a Kansas driver license?
If you're renewing or transferring from another state, you receive your license on the spot at the office. If you're getting your first license, you get your learner's permit when ready, then wait 7 to 14 days before taking the driving test. Once you pass the test, you receive your license that day.