Where to Go for Your Driver's License in Manhattan
The Manhattan Driver's License Office is located at 1105 Westloop Place, Manhattan, KS 66502. This is the Kansas Department of Revenue office that handles all driver's license services for Riley County residents. You can reach them by phone at (785) 537-6030 during business hours to ask about wait times or specific requirements for your situation.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by season and staffing, so calling ahead is worth the time — some days the wait can stretch past an hour, especially mid-morning and early afternoon. If you need to renew or replace a license, you can also handle some transactions online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, though new licenses and certain endorsements require an in-person visit.
If you cannot reach the Manhattan office or need to know whether a particular service is available that day, the Kansas Department of Revenue main line at (785) 296-3671 can direct you to the right department or tell you if the Manhattan location has temporary closures.
Key Takeaways
- The Manhattan Driver's License Office is at 1105 Westloop Place and handles all license services for Riley County residents.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or documentation of your number to any in-person visit.
- First-time licenses require a written test, vision test, and photograph taken at the office — you cannot complete these online.
- Renewals and replacements can sometimes be done online or by mail, but the office staff can tell you which option applies to your specific license type.
- Call ahead at (785) 537-6030 to confirm hours and ask about current wait times before you go.
Documents You Need to Bring
Kansas requires specific documents for every driver's license transaction. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A state ID, military ID, or passport all work. If you do not have an original document, a certified copy from the issuing agency is acceptable.
You also need proof that you live in Kansas. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, insurance statement, or government mail also counts. Bring the original or a copy — the office staff will tell you if they need to keep it.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a card, bring a W-2, tax return, or other official document with your number on it. You will also need to fill out the process form at the office, which takes a few minutes.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. The wait time depends on the day and time — mornings are usually shorter than afternoons. Once called, you will sit with a staff member who will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and collect any fees.
If you are getting your first license or renewing after it expired more than a certain period, you will take a written test on a computer at the office. The test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free online at the Kansas Department of Revenue website. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent.
After the written test, you will take a vision test using a machine at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also have your photograph taken at the office — you cannot bring your own photo. The staff will then give you a temporary paper license and tell you when your plastic card will arrive by mail, usually within two to three weeks.
Fees and Payment Methods
The cost of a driver's license in Kansas depends on the type and length of validity. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee changes periodically, so call the Manhattan office or check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for the current amount. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as a renewal. If you are adding an endorsement — such as a motorcycle endorsement — there is an additional fee. Ask the staff about the total cost before you pay.
Renewing or Replacing Your License by Mail or Online
If your license is still valid and you are renewing before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the office. The Kansas Department of Revenue website has a tool that tells you whether your specific license can be renewed remotely. You will need your license number and other identifying information to check.
If you lost your license or it was stolen, you must visit the office in person to get a replacement. The staff will take a new photograph and issue a new card. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal, plus a police report if your license was stolen.
If your license is expired by more than a certain period — usually several years — you will need to visit in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Call the Manhattan office to ask whether your specific situation requires a full in-person appointment or whether a mail renewal is possible.
Special Endorsements and Restrictions
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, you will need to pass a motorcycle written test and a riding skills test. The riding test is conducted by a third-party examiner, not the Manhattan office. You can find approved testing locations and schedules on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The written test is taken at the Manhattan office on the same day as your regular license appointment.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are also handled at the Manhattan office, but the process is longer and includes additional tests. If you need a CDL, call ahead to ask about scheduling and what documents to bring beyond the standard requirements.
If you have medical conditions or vision problems that affect your driving, the office may issue your license with restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding.
What to Do If You Have Questions Before Your Visit
The Manhattan Driver's License Office staff can answer questions about your specific situation over the phone. Call (785) 537-6030 and ask whether you need to visit in person, what documents to bring, or how long the process typically takes. If the Manhattan office cannot answer your question, they can transfer you to the Kansas Department of Revenue main office.
The Kansas Department of Revenue website also has a FAQ section and downloadable forms. You can fill out the process form at home and bring it completed to save time at the office, though the staff can also provide a blank form when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
It depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired within a certain period, you can renew by mail or online. If it has been expired longer, you will need to visit the Manhattan office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Call (785) 537-6030 to ask about your specific license.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
The Manhattan office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments are needed. However, calling ahead to ask about current wait times helps you plan your visit. Some days are busier than others, and knowing the typical wait can help you choose a better time to go.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can bring a passport, military ID, or other government-issued document that proves your identity and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at (785) 296-3671 to ask what alternative documents are accepted in your situation.
How long does it take to get my plastic license card after my visit?
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid when ready. Your plastic card usually arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If it takes longer, call the Manhattan office to check the status of your card.
Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license at the Manhattan office?
Yes. REAL ID licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. The process is the same as a standard license, and the fee may be slightly higher. Ask the staff whether you want a REAL ID license when you visit, or call ahead to confirm the current fee.