How to Get a Driver's License in Kansas

Where to go and what to bring

The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles handles all driver's licenses. You cannot renew or get a new license online — you must visit a Driver License Bureau office in person. Kansas has multiple locations across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the KDOR website by entering your county or city.

Before you go, gather these documents: a completed process (Form DL-43, available at the office or online), proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing and your license is not expired or suspended, you may need fewer documents — call ahead to confirm what your specific situation requires.

Bring your current license if you have one. If you are a teenager getting your first license, you will also need a completed parent or guardian consent form (Form DL-44) and proof that you have completed driver education if required by your age group.

Key Takeaways

Kansas Driver License Bureau offices are run by the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, and you must visit in person — there is no online option for new licenses or renewals.
Bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency dated within 60 days, your Social Security number, and a completed process form to your appointment.
Standard driver's licenses cost a fee that varies based on how long you want the license to be valid (typically four or eight years), and you pay at the time of your visit.
Processing happens the same day at most locations, and you receive a temporary paper license to use while your physical card is mailed to you.
Teenagers must complete driver education and hold a learner's permit for a set period before taking the driving test for a full license.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Driver License Bureau, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot submit your own. Wear something you would normally wear; avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup that obscures your face.

If you are getting a new license (not renewing), you will take a written test covering Kansas traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and you must pass it to move forward. If you are renewing an existing license and have no violations or suspensions, you typically skip the written test.

After you pass the written test or complete the renewal review, you will take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also be asked to sign your process in front of the staff member. Once everything is complete, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical card is printed and mailed to your address.

Fees and how long the license lasts

Kansas driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which you choose. The fee depends on the length of validity and whether you are getting a standard license, a REAL ID-compliant license, or a commercial license. Standard licenses cost less than REAL ID licenses. You pay the full fee at your visit, and there is no refund if you change your mind after the transaction is complete.

Your physical license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary paper license is valid during that time, so you can drive legally while you wait. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Driver License Bureau office where you applied.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Kansas license up to one year before it expires. If your license is expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license and take the written test again. Renewing before expiration is simpler: you bring fewer documents, skip the written test (unless you have had violations), and the process is faster.

Check your license for the expiration date. If you are within one year of that date, you are may be able to access to renew. Some people renew by mail if their license is not suspended and they meet other conditions, but this is rare and you should call your local office to ask whether you may have access to. Most people renew in person at the office.

Getting a learner's permit if you are under 16

Kansas requires teenagers to hold a learner's permit before taking the driving test for a full license. To get a permit, you visit a Driver License Bureau office with the same documents you would bring for a license, plus proof of completion of driver education (a certificate from an approved course). You take the written test, pass a vision screening, and receive your permit the same day.

A learner's permit is valid for one year. During that time, you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat with you while you drive. You cannot drive alone. After holding the permit for the required period (which varies by age), you return to the office to take the driving test. If you pass, you receive your full license.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions typically result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from violations. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or repeated serious violations.

Contact the Driver License Bureau or the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a set period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew or explore for a new license at any Driver License Bureau office.

REAL ID licenses and what they are for

A REAL ID-compliant license has a star or other marking on it and meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Kansas driver's license is not sufficient for these purposes after that date.

Getting a REAL ID license requires the same visit to a Driver License Bureau office, but you must bring additional proof of identity and residency — typically a passport or birth certificate plus a utility bill or lease. The fee is higher than a standard license. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license remains valid for driving and other everyday uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. This means you take the written test again, pass a vision screening, and pay the full new-license fee. Bring all the same documents you would for a first-time license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment to try again. There is typically no additional fee for retaking the test at the same visit. If you fail multiple times, some offices may ask you to wait a few days before trying again, but policies vary by location.

How do I change my address on my Kansas license?

You can update your address by visiting a Driver License Bureau office in person or, in some cases, by mail. Call your local office to ask whether you can mail in an address change or if you must visit. If you visit, bring your current license and proof of your new Kansas address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Visit a Driver License Bureau office and report it. You will fill out a replacement form, pay a replacement fee (lower than a new license), and receive a temporary paper license. Your replacement card is mailed within two to three weeks. If you suspect fraud, ask the office about steps to protect your identity.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most Kansas Driver License Bureau offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices also offer online appointment scheduling. Check the KDOR website or call your local office to see whether appointments are available and whether walk-ins are accepted during your preferred time.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.