Where to go for your driver's license in Lawrence

The Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Licensing Bureau handles all driver's licenses in Lawrence. You cannot get a license at city hall or the police department — you must go to the state office. In Lawrence, that office is located at 700 Maine Street, and it is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on state holidays.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the line is typically shorter. If you want to avoid waiting, you can schedule an appointment online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, though same-day walk-ins are always accepted.

The office does not handle commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) — those require a separate process and are handled at a different location. If you need a CDL, ask the staff at the Maine Street office for the current CDL testing site.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to 700 Maine Street in Lawrence, not city hall or the police department, and bring a valid form of identification plus proof of your Social Security number.
  • A new license costs $120 and is valid for six years; a renewal costs $100 and is also valid for six years.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written test on Kansas traffic laws; the written test is offered in multiple languages.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a current license that is not expired by more than five years, and you cannot have certain violations on your record.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity — a passport, military ID, or an expired Kansas driver's license all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot get one before your visit, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number.

Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed statement from them saying you live there.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own ID and sign your process. If you are renewing a license you already have, you do not need to bring proof of address — the office has your address on file.

The written test and vision screening

You will take a written test on Kansas traffic laws. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must come back another day to try again. The test is offered in English, Spanish, and several other languages — ask the staff which languages are available that day.

Before the written test, you will take a vision screening. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, you must wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the written test that day and must return after seeing an eye doctor.

The office provides study materials online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. You can read the driver's manual and take practice tests before you go in. Many people study for 30 minutes to an hour and pass on their first try.

Cost and how long your license lasts

A new driver's license costs $120 and is valid for six years. A renewal costs $100 and is also valid for six years. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are under 21, your license will have a different color and format to show your age to businesses that check ID.

Your license is valid the day you receive it. The office prints licenses on-site, so you walk out with your license in hand — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. If the printer breaks down (rare), they will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while they mail the plastic card.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your current license is not expired and you have no violations on your record, you can renew by mail or online without going to the office. You must have held your current license for at least one year. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have had a DUI or reckless driving conviction in the past five years, or if you have unpaid traffic tickets.

To renew online, go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the $100 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the website, print it, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form.

If you are not sure whether you are allowed to renew by mail or online, call the Driver Licensing Bureau at (785) 296-3671 before you try. They can tell you in a few minutes whether your record allows it.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, go to the office at 700 Maine Street and tell them. You will need to show one form of ID and proof of your Social Security number, just as if you were getting a new license. You pay $20 for a replacement license, not the full $120. The replacement is printed on-site and you leave with it the same day.

If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the Lawrence Police Department, though it is not required to get a replacement. The police report is useful if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud, because it creates a record that you reported it missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in Spanish?

Yes. The test is offered in Spanish and several other languages. When you arrive, tell the staff which language you need. Not all languages are available every day, so if you need a language other than English or Spanish, call ahead at (785) 296-3671 to confirm it will be available.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again, but not the same day. You must return on a different day and pay the $120 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the manual more carefully.

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

You can walk in without an appointment. The office accepts walk-ins all day during business hours. If you want to avoid a wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, but appointments are not required.

How long does the whole process take at the office?

From the time you walk in to the time you leave with your license usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. The vision test and written test together take about 15 minutes. The rest is waiting and paperwork processing.

What if I moved and my address changed?

If you are renewing your license, you can update your address at the office when you renew. If your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address by mail or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website without renewing the whole license. Call (785) 296-3671 to ask which method is fastest for your situation.