Kansas driver's licenses are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue, and the process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card

The Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Control Bureau handles all driver's license transactions. You can obtain a license in person at one of their offices across the state, and you'll need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The type of license you need — standard, commercial, or motorcycle — determines which tests you take and how long the process takes.

Kansas offers both Real ID-compliant and standard driver's licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Kansas license works for driving but not for federal ID purposes. You can choose which type you want when you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person to get or renew a driver's license; there is no online option for initial issuance or renewal.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Kansas address when you go.
  • A standard Kansas driver's license costs $24 for an eight-year term; a Real ID license costs $39 for the same period.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must retake the written and vision tests; if it expired within five years, you may only need to pay the renewal fee and provide updated information.

What documents you need to bring

Kansas requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate as proof of identity and citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or permanent resident card instead. You'll also need to prove your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work.

For proof of your current Kansas address, bring two documents from different categories. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, government check, or tax return dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as address proof. If you're homeless or don't have two address documents, ask the office staff about alternatives when you arrive.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, along with your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you're renewing a Kansas license, bring the card itself or a renewal notice if you received one in the mail.

Getting your first Kansas driver's license

First-time applicants must pass a written test covering Kansas traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving test. The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Revenue website.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test takes place on a closed course or in light traffic and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll be tested on basic skills like starting the car, steering, stopping, and parking.

You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must pass it before scheduling a driving test. Once you pass both tests, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.

Renewing an expired or expiring Kansas license

If your license expires within 30 days or has been expired for less than five years, you can renew by mail or in person without retaking tests. You'll need to fill out form DL-44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the renewal notice. Processing takes about two weeks.

If you prefer to renew in person, visit any Kansas Department of Revenue office with your documents and payment. In-person renewal is faster and you'll receive a temporary license when ready.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must return to the office in person and retake the written test and vision screening. You do not have to retake the driving test unless the examiner has reason to believe you're unsafe. This situation is uncommon for people who have been driving regularly in another state.

Real ID versus standard Kansas license

A Real ID-compliant license is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. If you fly domestically or need to enter a federal courthouse or military base, you'll need a Real ID license or a passport. A standard Kansas license is sufficient for driving and for most other purposes.

The Real ID license costs $15 more than a standard license ($39 versus $24 for an eight-year term). Both are valid for the same length of time. When you visit the office, you can choose which type you want. 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.

Finding a Kansas Department of Revenue office near you

The Kansas Department of Revenue operates driver's license offices in most counties. The main office is in Topeka, but there are satellite locations in larger cities and regional centers. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Revenue website.

Some offices are busier than others. Visiting early in the week or early in the day usually means shorter wait times. A few offices offer online appointment scheduling, which you can check when you find your local office. Walk-ins are always accepted, but an appointment guarantees you'll be seen at your scheduled time.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your Kansas driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any Department of Revenue office. Bring your documents proving identity and address, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $24 for a standard license or $39 for a Real ID license.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police, though it's not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your license number fraudulently. When you get your replacement, you'll receive a new license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas driver's license online?

No. Kansas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office or by mail if your license expired less than five years ago. Mail renewal requires form DL-44, available on the Department of Revenue website.

What happens if I let my license expire while I'm out of state?

If you've been living out of state, you'll need to bring proof that you've moved back to Kansas — typically a lease, utility bill, or other document showing your current Kansas address. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll retake the written and vision tests. If it expired within five years, you may only need to pay the renewal fee.

Do I need a Real ID license if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You only need a Real ID driver's license if you want to use your driver's license for those purposes instead of carrying a passport.

How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass your tests. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive on the temporary license during that time.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There's no waiting period between attempts. You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test.