Where to go for your Sedgwick County driver license
In Sedgwick County, Kansas, you get your driver license from the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The main office is in Wichita, but you can also visit satellite locations in smaller towns within the county. You cannot get a Kansas driver license from your city or county government — it is a state document, so the state handles it.
The Wichita office is located at 915 SW Jackson Street, Wichita, KS 67203. If you live outside Wichita, check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for the satellite office nearest you. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have limited schedules.
You can also renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be at least 65 years old, or you must be renewing early. Not everyone qualifies for mail renewal, so check the requirements on the Kansas Department of Revenue website first.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, is the only place that issues driver licenses in Sedgwick County — not your city or county office.
- The main office is in Wichita at 915 SW Jackson Street, and satellite locations exist in other towns within the county.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- If you are renewing by mail, you must meet age or expiration requirements, and the process takes longer than in-person renewal.
- Call ahead or check the Kansas Department of Revenue website to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
What documents you need to bring
Before you go to the office, gather the documents the state requires. You will need one valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have one of these, bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself works, but so does a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. The office will not accept a printout from an online account.
Finally, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, ask the office what documents they will accept.
The cost and how long it takes
A new driver license costs money, and the fee depends on what type of license you are getting and how long it is valid for. A standard license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. The Kansas Department of Revenue website lists current fees, which change occasionally.
If you are renewing in person, you usually get your license the same day or within a few days. The office will take your photo and process your process on the spot. If you renew by mail, the process takes longer — usually two to three weeks from the time the office receives your process.
Bring a check or debit card if you can, because not all offices accept cash. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your location takes.
Getting a Real ID if you need one for flying
A standard Kansas driver license is not a Real ID — a federal document that lets you board a domestic flight without a passport. If you want a Real ID driver license instead, you need to bring extra documents and pay a higher fee.
For a Real ID, you need everything listed above, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You also need to prove your current address with a document dated within the last 60 days. The Real ID license costs more than a standard license and is valid for eight years instead of four.
Not everyone needs a Real ID. If you have a passport or military ID, you can use those to fly. If you do not fly or you are happy with your passport, a standard license is fine.
Renewing your license by mail
You can renew by mail only if your current license meets one of these conditions: it expired no more than five years ago, you are at least 65 years old, or you are renewing early (before it expires). If none of these explore, you must go to the office in person.
To renew by mail, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue and ask for the renewal form. Fill it out, include a check for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address they provide. Include a photocopy of your current license and proof of your address. The office will send your new license to the address on file.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — usually two to three weeks. If you need your license quickly, go to the office instead.
What to do if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, go to the office in person and tell them. You will need to fill out a form and pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than the cost of a new license. Bring your identification and proof of address, just as you would for a renewal.
The office will issue you a replacement license the same day or within a few days. If you think your license was stolen and used fraudulently, also file a report with the Wichita Police Department or the sheriff's office in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to get my driver license in Sedgwick County?
Some offices require appointments and some do not. Call the Kansas Department of Revenue office you plan to visit, or check their website to see if appointments are needed. During busy times, offices may ask you to book ahead to avoid long waits.
Can I renew my license online?
Kansas does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the age or expiration requirements, or you can go to the office in person. Mail renewal takes longer, so plan ahead if you choose that route.
What if I have a commercial driver license?
Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) have different rules and cannot be renewed by mail. You must go to the office in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus any medical certificates required for your CDL class. Call the Kansas Department of Revenue to confirm what else you need.
How do I change my name or address on my license?
You can change your address by mail when you renew, or you can go to the office to change it without renewing. To change your name, you must go in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your license.
What if I moved out of Sedgwick County but still have a Kansas license?
You can renew your Kansas license from anywhere in the state by mail or in person at any Kansas Department of Revenue office. You do not have to renew it in Sedgwick County. If you moved to a different state, you will need to get a license from that state instead.