Where to get your driver's license in Andover
Andover does not have its own Kansas Department of Revenue office. To get or renew a driver's license, you will need to visit the nearest office in Butler County, which is in El Dorado, about 20 minutes from Andover. The El Dorado office is located at 316 W Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042, and handles all driver's license services for the area.
If you cannot reach El Dorado easily, you have other options. The Kansas Department of Revenue runs offices in Wichita and several other larger towns across the state. You can also renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be renewing (not getting your first license), and you cannot have any medical or legal restrictions that changed since your last license.
Before you go to any office, check the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call the El Dorado office at (316) 322-0236 to confirm hours and any current wait times. Offices sometimes close for training or have reduced hours without notice.
Key Takeaways
- The nearest Kansas Department of Revenue office to Andover is in El Dorado at 316 W Central Ave, about 20 minutes away.
- You will need to bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card to any in-person visit.
- Renewal by mail is an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no new medical or legal restrictions.
- The El Dorado office phone number is (316) 322-0236; calling ahead can tell you current wait times and whether you need an appointment.
What documents to bring
Kansas requires specific documents before you can get or renew a driver's license. Bring your current ID — this can be an expired driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. You also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
You will need to show your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide the number itself — the office can verify it through federal records. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport showing your legal name and date of birth.
If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.
Getting your first Kansas driver's license
If you have never held a Kansas driver's license, you will need to pass a written test and a driving test. The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Many people study the manual online and then take the test at the office on the same day.
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. The office will tell you when appointments are available — this can be days or weeks out depending on how busy the El Dorado office is. You must bring your own vehicle for the driving test, and it must be registered and insured. The vehicle will be inspected for working brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.
You can also get a learner's permit first, which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice. A learner's permit requires passing the written test but not the driving test. Many people get the permit, practice for a few weeks or months, and then return to take the driving test.
Renewing your license by mail
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have never had a suspended or revoked license, and you have no new medical conditions or legal restrictions, you can renew by mail. You will not need to visit the office or take any tests.
To renew by mail, contact the El Dorado office or read the renewal form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount varies depending on how many years you are renewing for), and mail everything to the address the office provides. Processing takes about two weeks after the office receives your form.
If you are not sure whether you meet the conditions for mail renewal, call the El Dorado office before you send anything. Some people think they may have access to but discover they have a restriction that requires an in-person visit.
License fees and how long they last
A Kansas driver's license costs different amounts depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Most people choose the longer option because it means fewer trips to renew. The exact fee depends on your age and whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one.
Your license will show an expiration date. You can continue driving until that date, but you cannot renew it after it expires — you will have to go in person and may have to retake the written test. It is easier to renew before the expiration date arrives.
If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at the El Dorado office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement usually costs less than a full renewal.
What to expect at your appointment
When you arrive at the El Dorado office, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents — staff will not tell you what is missing until you reach the window, and you do not want to make a second trip. The process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if you are only renewing, and longer if you are taking a written test.
You will have your photo taken for your new license. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for years. You will also be fingerprinted and asked to sign a form confirming your information is correct.
Once everything is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Do not throw away the paper license — it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Kansas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the conditions, or you must visit an office in person. The mail option is the closest thing to remote renewal available.
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
You will need to visit the El Dorado office in person. You may have to retake the written test and the driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call ahead to ask what the office requires for your situation.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The El Dorado office accepts both walk-ins and appointments. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea, especially on busy days like Fridays or the beginning of the month. Some offices have started requiring appointments during certain hours, so confirm when you call.
What if I moved to Andover from another state?
You will need to get a Kansas license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Kansas address, and your Social Security card. You will not have to retake the written or driving test — Kansas honors valid licenses from other states.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present to have your photo taken and to sign the forms. Only you can pick up your license in person, though your permanent license will be mailed to your address once it is ready.