Where to go for your driver's license in Derby
Derby residents get their driver's licenses through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Licensing Bureau. The closest office to Derby is in Wichita, about 15 minutes away. You cannot renew or obtain a license at the Derby city offices — you must go to a state licensing facility.
The main Wichita location is at 915 SW Jackson Street, Wichita, KS 67213. This is where you'll take your written test, vision test, and road test if you're a new driver. The office is open Monday through Friday, and hours vary by service type, so calling ahead at the Wichita location or checking the Kansas Department of Revenue website before you go saves time.
If the Wichita office is inconvenient, Kansas also has licensing offices in other cities, but Wichita is your nearest option. Some services — like renewing a license by mail or online — don't require an office visit at all, which may be faster depending on what you need.
Key Takeaways
- Derby does not have its own driver's license office; you must visit the Kansas Department of Revenue location in Wichita, about 15 minutes away.
- New drivers need to pass a written test, vision test, and road test at the Wichita office before receiving a license.
- License renewals can often be completed by mail or online without visiting an office, depending on your situation.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to any in-person visit.
- Call the Wichita office or check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for current hours and wait times before driving there.
What documents you need for a new license
Kansas requires specific documents before you can take a test for a new driver's license. You need one document that proves your identity — a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. You also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status. You'll also need to bring any existing Kansas ID or license if you have one.
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring their ID as well. The Wichita office staff can tell you if your specific documents are acceptable before you take the test, so it's worth calling ahead if you're unsure.
The written test and vision screening
The written test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
You'll also take a vision screening at the office. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts while driving.
You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, though some offices may limit how many times you can test in one visit. Ask the staff when you arrive.
The road test and what to expect
After passing the written and vision tests, you'll schedule a road test. This is where you drive with an examiner to show you can operate a vehicle safely. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.
Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive. If anything is broken or missing, you won't be able to test that day.
You can schedule your road test when you pass the written test, but there may be a wait depending on how busy the office is. Some people wait a few days; others wait a few weeks. The Wichita office can tell you the current wait time when you call.
Renewing your license without visiting an office
If your Kansas license is still valid and you're renewing before it expires, you may not need to visit the Wichita office at all. Kansas allows some drivers to renew by mail or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
You're usually may be able to access for mail or online renewal if you're over 21, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you haven't had certain violations. If you need a corrective lens restriction added or removed, or if your address has changed significantly, you may need to visit in person.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks. Online renewal is faster but requires a credit card. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue website to see which method works for your situation, or call the Wichita office to ask.
Getting a Real ID-compliant license
Kansas now issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner.
If you're getting a new license, you'll receive a Real ID license automatically as long as you bring the required documents. If you already have a Kansas license without the gold star and want to upgrade, you can renew early and request the Real ID version. There is no extra cost.
Real ID licenses are valid for eight years, the same as regular Kansas licenses. You don't need to do anything special to maintain it — just renew it normally when it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my road test?
Kansas does not issue temporary licenses. Once you pass your written and vision tests, you'll receive a permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car while you wait for your road test appointment. After you pass the road test, your permanent license is issued.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. There is a fee for each test attempt. The examiner will tell you what you need to work on before your next attempt.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The Wichita office accepts walk-ins, but wait times can be long. Calling ahead or checking the Kansas Department of Revenue website for current wait times helps you plan. Some services may require an appointment; ask when you call.
How much does a driver's license cost in Kansas?
Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it's valid. A standard eight-year license costs less than a four-year license. The Wichita office staff can tell you the exact fee when you arrive or when you call ahead.
What if I move out of Derby but still want a Kansas license?
You can keep your Kansas license as long as you update your address with the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can update your address by mail, online, or in person at any licensing office. Bring proof of your new address.