Where to get your Kansas driver's license
The Kansas Department of Revenue issues driver's licenses in Kansas. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must visit a Driver Examination Station in person. These stations are run by the Department of Revenue and are located in most Kansas counties. You can find the station nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city.
When you visit, bring the documents listed below. The staff will take your photo, collect your information, and test your knowledge of Kansas traffic laws. If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person. The Kansas Department of Revenue website shows which renewal method works for your situation based on your age and license type.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Examination Station in person to get a new Kansas driver's license — the process cannot be completed online or by mail.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.
- You will take a written test on Kansas traffic laws and a vision test at the station.
- Renewal by mail or online is sometimes an option if your license is not yet expired; check the Kansas Department of Revenue website to see if you may have access to.
- Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the test, and your plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Documents you need to bring
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of identity (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of Kansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You must also show proof of lawful presence in the United States, which can be a passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and sign the process. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The exact documents accepted can vary slightly, so check the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call your local Driver Examination Station before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
The written test and vision test
At the station, you will take a written test on Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
You will also take a vision test to make sure 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 medical evaluation or wear corrective lenses while driving.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is usually a fee for each attempt, though the amount varies by county.
Fees and how long it takes
The cost of a Kansas driver's license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older costs one amount, while a license for someone under 21 costs less. Real ID-compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for the exact current fee, as it can change.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pass the test. Your plastic card is mailed to the address you provide and usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the station staff whether expedited mailing is an option and what it costs.
If your plastic card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Driver Examination Station where you applied.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your Kansas driver's license is not yet expired and you meet certain conditions, you may renew without visiting a station. The Kansas Department of Revenue allows online or mail renewal for some drivers, but not all. Your age, license type, and how long it has been since your last renewal affect whether you can use this method.
To find out whether you can renew online or by mail, go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website and enter your information. If you are may be able to access, you can complete the renewal there or request a renewal form by mail. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
If you are not may be able to access for mail or online renewal, you must visit a Driver Examination Station in person, even if you are only renewing.
Real ID and what it means
A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, a Real ID will be required to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. A standard Kansas driver's license will not work for these purposes after that date.
When you get or renew your Kansas driver's license, you can choose to get a Real ID instead. It costs more than a standard license and requires the same documents plus proof of your Social Security number. The plastic card looks similar but has a gold star in the upper right corner.
If you do not fly or visit federal buildings often, a standard license is still valid for driving and other everyday uses.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a Driver Examination Station to get a replacement. Bring your documents the same way you would for a new license. You will not need to retake the written test, but you may need to retake the vision test depending on how long it has been since your last one.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police or the Kansas Department of Revenue, though this is not required to get a replacement. Report the theft if you are concerned about identity theft.
The fee for a replacement license is usually less than the fee for a new license, though it varies by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Kansas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, a Social Security number is required. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Kansas driver's license. This can take several weeks.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is usually a fee for each attempt. Study the Kansas Driver's Manual before you try again — it covers all the topics on the test.
How do I find the Driver Examination Station nearest me?
Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website and search by county or city. The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each station. Some stations are open only certain days of the week, so check before you go.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes, you can renew early. The new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew, so renewing early does not give you extra time. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue website to see if you can renew by mail or online, or visit a station in person.
What if I moved to Kansas from another state?
You must get a Kansas driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. You will need to take the written test and vision test, but you do not need to take a driving test.