Getting your first Kansas driver's license
To get your first Kansas driver's license, you will need to visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person. You cannot complete this entirely by mail or online — the state requires you to pass a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test before they issue a license.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or certified court record), proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you were born outside the United States, bring your immigration documents as well. Bring the originals, not copies — the office staff will verify them on the spot.
You will take a written test covering Kansas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study the official Kansas Driver's Manual online at the Kansas Department of Revenue website before you go. After you pass the written test, a staff member will check your vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Key Takeaways
- Your first Kansas driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Kansas Department of Revenue office, a written test, a vision check, and a driving test.
- Bring original documents proving your identity, Kansas residency, and Social Security number — copies will not be accepted.
- You can study the official Kansas Driver's Manual online before your visit to prepare for the written test.
- A driving test with an examiner is required, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew by mail or online if you have no medical conditions and your address has not changed.
The driving test and what happens after you pass
Once you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a driving test with an examiner. Bring a vehicle that is registered in Kansas, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you start. You cannot use a vehicle with a "dealer" or "temporary" license plate.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You need to demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days.
Once you pass all three parts, the office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office. Your Kansas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued.
Renewing your Kansas driver's license by mail or online
If your license is expiring and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. You can renew online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website if your license has not been expired for more than five years and your address has not changed.
To renew by mail, the Kansas Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include the required fee, and mail it back. Processing takes about two weeks. If you do not receive a notice, you can request a renewal form from any Kansas Department of Revenue office or read it from their website.
If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it within a few business days.
Fees and what to bring to the office
The fee for a new driver's license varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A six-year license costs one amount, and a four-year license costs less. The exact fee changes periodically, so check the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call your local office before you go.
If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee is lower than getting a new license in person. Payment methods vary by office — some accept cash, check, or card, while others accept only certain methods. Call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
Bring your current license if you have one, even if it is expired. If you lost your license, bring a police report or a signed statement explaining what happened. Bring all original identity and residency documents — the office will not accept photocopies or faxes.
Finding your nearest Kansas Department of Revenue office
Kansas has multiple Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you, its hours, and its phone number on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, especially if you are going during peak hours like lunch or late afternoon. If you cannot reach your local office by phone, you can visit in person during their posted hours and ask to schedule an appointment for another day.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Kansas Department of Revenue office. Bring your identity and residency documents, just as you would for a renewal. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement saying it was stolen.
A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. The office will issue it on the spot or mail it within a few business days. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you will not lose time on your current license term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license online if I moved to a new address?
No. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You will pay a fee each time you take the test. Study the areas where you struggled and practice before your next attempt.
How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license after I pass all the tests?
The office will issue your license on the spot in some cases, or mail it to you within a few business days. Ask the office staff which option applies to you when you finish your tests. If you need your license urgently, ask whether they can issue it when ready.
Do I need to take the written test again if I am renewing my license?
No. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not take any tests. If you are renewing in person because your address changed, you typically do not take tests either — you only need to bring your documents and pay the fee. Tests are required only for first-time licenses or if you have a medical condition that requires re-testing.
What documents count as proof of Kansas residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Kansas address all count. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.