What you need to get a Kansas driver's license
Kansas issues driver's licenses through the 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 consular report of birth), proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 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 at the office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. If you are getting a license for the first time or after a suspension, you may need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test as well.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver's licenses are issued only at in-person visits to a Division of Vehicles office; you cannot complete the process entirely online or by mail.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number at your appointment.
- Standard licenses cost $20 for a four-year term or $40 for an eight-year term; Real ID-compliant licenses cost $5 more per term.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or suspensions in the past five years.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must contact the Division of Vehicles directly to understand what steps are required before you can renew.
The difference between a standard license and a Real ID license
Kansas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
Both types cost the same to obtain and renew, except that a Real ID license costs $5 more per term. The Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, but the Division of Vehicles will verify your information more thoroughly before issuing it. The process takes longer — usually two to four weeks instead of one to two weeks for a standard license.
If you already have a standard Kansas license and want to switch to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a driver's license office before your current license expires. You do not need to wait for your license to expire.
How to renew your Kansas driver's license by mail
You may renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, and your license has not been suspended or revoked. The Division of Vehicles will mail you a renewal notice when your license is within six months of expiration.
To renew by mail, complete the renewal form that came with the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. The Division of Vehicles will process your renewal and mail your new license to you within two to three weeks.
If you have had a name change, moved out of state and back to Kansas, or want to change your license type (for example, from standard to Real ID), you cannot renew by mail and must visit a driver's license office in person.
What to do if your Kansas license is suspended or revoked
A license suspension or revocation is ordered by a court or the Division of Vehicles, usually because of unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulation of points from traffic violations, or failure to appear in court. The reason for the suspension or revocation determines what you must do to restore your driving rights.
Contact the Division of Vehicles directly at 785-296-3963 or visit a local driver's license office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take. You may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, provide proof of insurance, or wait out a mandatory suspension period before you can renew.
Do not attempt to renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. The Division of Vehicles will reject your renewal, and you may face additional penalties. Always call or visit in person first to understand your situation.
Driver's license office locations and hours in Kansas
The Division of Vehicles operates driver's license offices in most Kansas counties. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. The main office is located in Topeka, but there are satellite offices in larger cities including Kansas City, Wichita, and Lawrence.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours one or two evenings per week. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. You can find the address, phone number, and hours for the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than visiting on Friday afternoon. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Costs and payment methods for Kansas driver's licenses
A standard four-year Kansas driver's license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $40. A Real ID-compliant license costs $25 for four years or $45 for eight years. These fees are set by state law and do not vary by location or office.
At a driver's license office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the Division of Vehicles does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you are renewing early — before your current license expires — you will pay the full renewal fee. Kansas does not prorate fees or give refunds for early renewal. Your new license will be valid for the full term (four or eight years) from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expired.
What happens if your Kansas license expires while you are out of state
If your license expires while you are living or working outside Kansas, you can renew by mail if you meet the standard requirements (no suspension, no recent violations, and no name change). Mail your renewal form and fee to the Division of Vehicles in Topeka, and your new license will be mailed to your out-of-state address.
When you move back to Kansas, you do not need to get a new license when ready. Your Kansas license remains valid for driving in Kansas even if you have been living elsewhere. However, if you want to update your address on your license, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may not be able to renew by mail and will need to visit an office in person and retake the written and driving tests. Contact the Division of Vehicles before you return to Kansas to confirm what you will need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Kansas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Kansas law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Kansas license. You can explore for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.
How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license after I explore?
If you visit a driver's license office in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the day of your visit. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks for a standard license or two to four weeks for a Real ID license. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks.
What should I do if my Kansas license is lost or stolen?
Visit a driver's license office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will pay the same fee as a renewal. The Division of Vehicles will issue you a temporary paper license on the day of your visit and mail your permanent license within one to two weeks.
Can I change my name on my Kansas driver's license without renewing it?
No. You can only change your name on your license when you renew it. If your name has changed and your license is not expiring soon, you can visit a driver's license office and renew early. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with your proof of identity and residency.
Is there a way to renew my Kansas license if I am unable to visit an office in person?
If you are unable to visit an office and your license is not expired, you may renew by mail if you have no suspensions, revocations, or recent violations. If you cannot renew by mail because of a suspension, revocation, or other issue, you will need to contact the Division of Vehicles to discuss your options, as some situations may require a hearing or court appearance before you can renew.