How to renew your Kansas driver license
Kansas allows you to renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals can be completed without a vision test or written exam if your license is not expired and you meet basic requirements.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew using your driver license number and date of birth on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $84 for a standard four-year license; mail renewal costs the same but takes two to three weeks.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office requires a valid form of identification and proof of your current address.
- Kansas driver licenses are valid for four years, and renewal notices are mailed about 60 days before your birthday.
Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website
The Kansas Department of Revenue website allows you to renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the barcode from your renewal notice. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by debit or credit card.
After you complete the online renewal, your new license is mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements and do not need to update your information.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the form included with your notice, sign it, and mail it back with your payment. Kansas accepts checks, money orders, or credit cards by mail. The renewal fee is $84 for a standard four-year license.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person or update your address online before mailing your renewal form.
In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license. Kansas Department of Revenue offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The renewal fee is $84 for a standard four-year license. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you receive your new license when ready or by mail within seven to ten business days, depending on the office.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Kansas driver license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to provide proof of identity and proof of your current address, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so plan ahead if you need your license for work or travel.
Changing your address or other information during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you can update your address online before renewing, or you can renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Mail renewal does not allow address changes, so if you use mail renewal, your new license will be sent to the address currently on file.
If you need to change your name, correct an error on your license, or update other information, you must renew in person. Bring documentation of the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order for a name change) along with your proof of identity and proof of address.
Fees and payment methods for Kansas driver license renewal
The renewal fee for a standard four-year Kansas driver license is $84. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Kansas accepts payment by debit card, credit card, check, or money order, depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal requires a debit or credit card. Mail renewal accepts checks, money orders, or credit cards. In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, checks, and money orders. If you pay by check or money order by mail, make it payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your birthday. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday four years from the date you renew.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals typically result in your new license arriving within seven to ten business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your form. If you renew in person at some offices, you may receive your license the same day.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without your renewal notice. Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and use your driver license number and date of birth to start your renewal. You will not need the barcode from your notice.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
No. For standard mail and online renewals, you do not need a new photo. Your current photo remains on your license. If you renew in person, the office may take a new photo, depending on the office and your request.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office if your name has changed. Bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need proof of identity and proof of your current address.