What you need to get a Kansas driver's license
Kansas issues driver's licenses through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a local driver's license office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or certified vital 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 are renewing and your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a license that has not yet expired. The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs. Kansas offers the test in multiple languages, and you can study using the official Kansas Driver's Manual, available free on the Department of Revenue website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kansas driver's license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Kansas traffic laws and road signs.
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years for adults under 65 and four years for adults 65 and older.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes in the past four years.
- The fee for a new license is different from the fee for renewal, and both vary slightly depending on the type of license you need.
Where to find a driver's license office near you
Kansas has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you and its hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to schedule an appointment online.
Offices in larger cities like Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka often have longer wait times, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you live near a smaller town, visiting an office there may be faster. Some offices close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days, so check before you go.
Types of Kansas driver's licenses and what each one allows
Kansas issues several types of driver's licenses depending on what you will be driving. A standard Class D license allows you to drive passenger vehicles. A Class C license is for driving vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating between 16,001 and 26,000 pounds. A Class B license covers heavier commercial vehicles, and a Class A license is for the largest commercial vehicles and those towing trailers.
If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement added to your license. This requires passing an additional written test and a riding skills test, or you can take an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the riding test. The course takes one or two days and costs money, but many riders find it worth the cost to avoid the riding test.
Kansas also issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID license and need one for travel, you can request it when you renew or get a new license.
How long a Kansas license lasts and when to renew
A standard Kansas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years. Your license will show the expiration date on the front.
Kansas sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you have not had a suspended or revoked license in the past four years, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal takes about two weeks.
If you cannot renew by mail, you must visit a driver's license office in person. Renewing in person takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may have to retake the written test.
Fees and payment methods
The fee for a new Class D driver's license in Kansas is $25 for a six-year license if you are under 65, or $20 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older. Renewal by mail costs $20 for a six-year renewal or $16 for a four-year renewal. Renewal in person at an office costs the same as mail renewal.
If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is $10. Motorcycle endorsements cost an additional $10. REAL ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses — there is no extra charge.
Kansas driver's license offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they take, so call ahead if you want to be sure.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
Kansas suspends or revokes driver's licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet certain conditions and request reinstatement.
If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice by mail explaining the reason and how long the suspension lasts. You cannot drive during a suspension. To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call the Division of Vehicles.
To reinstate a suspended license, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, pay outstanding fines, or complete a defensive driving course. For a revoked license, the process is more involved and may require a hearing. Contact the Division of Vehicles to learn what you need to do in your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license online?
No. Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions, or you can renew in person at a driver's license office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks.
What should I do if I lose my driver's license?
Report the loss to your local police department and then visit a Kansas driver's license office to request a duplicate. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The duplicate fee is $10, and you will receive it within a few days.
Do I need a REAL ID license to fly within the United States?
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of federal ID to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID Kansas license has a gold star. You can request one when you renew or get a new license.
How do I add a motorcycle endorsement to my license?
Visit a Kansas driver's license office and pass a written test about motorcycle safety. You can also take an approved motorcycle safety course, which waives the riding test. The endorsement costs $10 and takes about 30 minutes to add to your license.
What if I moved to Kansas from another state?
You must get a Kansas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of identity to a driver's license office. You will need to pass the vision and written tests unless Kansas has a reciprocal agreement with your previous state.