Where to get your driver's license in Mission
Mission, Kansas does not have its own driver's license office. The Kansas Department of Revenue handles all driver's licenses for the state, and the nearest location to Mission is the Johnson County office in Olathe, about 15 miles south. You can also visit the Kansas City office on the Kansas side, though Olathe is typically closer for Mission residents.
You cannot renew or obtain a license at city hall, police departments, or any local Mission government office. The Department of Revenue operates all licensing locations, and you must go to one of their physical offices to complete the process in person.
Before you drive to an office, check the Department of Revenue website for current hours and any wait time estimates. Some locations accept walk-ins, but others require you to schedule an appointment online first. This varies by location and changes seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- Mission has no driver's license office; the nearest Kansas Department of Revenue location is in Olathe, about 15 miles away.
- You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person — licenses cannot be obtained by mail, phone, or through any city office.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to any appointment.
- Some offices require you to book an appointment online before arriving; check the Department of Revenue website for your nearest location's policy.
- If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your age and license type.
Documents you need to bring
Kansas requires specific documents for a new driver's license. You must bring one form of primary identification — a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. You also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
Proof of residency in Kansas is required. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card from another state counts as proof of residency if it shows your current Kansas address.
Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign the process in person at the office.
What happens at your appointment
When you arrive at the Department of Revenue office, staff will verify your documents and check your information against state records. They will ask you to take a vision test and may ask you to read a few lines of text to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely.
You will then take a written test covering Kansas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study the Kansas Driver's Manual online before you go, and many people find this helpful.
If you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with an examiner. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — parking, turning, stopping — and will observe how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws. If you pass both tests, your license is issued the same day.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year driver's license costs $88. A six-year license costs $132. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. The Department of Revenue accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices.
If you are renewing a license, the cost is the same. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $20.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not yet expired and you are 21 or older, you may be able to renew by mail or through the Kansas Department of Revenue website without visiting an office. This option is not available if your license has already expired, if you are under 21, or if you need to update your address or name.
To renew online, go to the Department of Revenue website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the Department of Revenue. The form is available on their website. Processing takes two to three weeks after they receive your materials.
Getting a learner's permit first
If you are a new driver, you can get a learner's permit before taking the full driving test. A permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. The permit test covers the same 50 questions as the full license test, and you must pass with at least 40 correct answers.
A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year. You must hold a permit for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test for a full license. During that time, you must practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you.
You can obtain a permit at the same Department of Revenue office where you would get your license. Bring the same documents — primary ID, proof of residency, and Social Security verification.
What to do if you fail the test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the written test on the same day.
If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new appointment to try again. You cannot retake the driving test on the same day. There is no fee to retake the driving test, but you will need to return to the office at a later date.
Many people find it helpful to study the Kansas Driver's Manual and practice driving with a licensed adult before retaking either test. The manual is free and available on the Department of Revenue website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license in Mission itself?
No. Mission has no Department of Revenue office. You must go to the Olathe location or another Kansas Department of Revenue office. Olathe is the closest option for most Mission residents.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
It depends on the office. The Olathe location and others accept walk-ins, but some offices require appointments. Check the Department of Revenue website for your nearest location's current policy before you go.
How long does it take to get a driver's license after I pass the test?
Your license is issued the same day you pass both the written and driving tests. You receive it before you leave the office.
What if I moved to Mission from another state and still have an out-of-state license?
You can drive on your out-of-state license until it expires. When you are ready to get a Kansas license, bring your current out-of-state license along with proof of Kansas residency and your other required documents to the Department of Revenue office.
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
No. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses that have not yet expired. If your license is expired, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person and retake the written and driving tests.