Where to go and what to bring
In Wichita, you renew your driver license at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The main location is the Wichita Driver License office at 316 North Main Street, Wichita, KS 67202. You can also renew at satellite offices in other parts of Sedgwick County if that location is more convenient, though the main office typically has more availability.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current Kansas driver license, proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.
You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Hours vary by location, so check the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call 785-296-3671 before you go to confirm the office is open.
Key Takeaways
- The Wichita Driver License office is at 316 North Main Street and does not require an appointment — you can walk in during business hours.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or document with your number.
- The renewal fee in Kansas is $72 for a standard eight-year license, and you pay at the office when you renew.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Kansas driver license renewal costs $72. You pay this fee at the office when you complete your renewal. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — they do not accept checks.
If you are renewing early (before your license expires) or renewing after it has expired but within five years, the cost is the same: $72. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot straightforward renew — you will need to explore for a new license, which involves a written test and vision test, and costs more. The staff at the office can tell you which category you fall into when you arrive.
How long the process takes in the office and by mail
The in-office part usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will answer questions about your address and any changes to your information, have your photo taken, and sign your new license process. The staff will verify your documents and process your payment before you leave.
Your new physical license is mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew. You can legally drive on your old license during this time — you do not need a temporary permit. If you need your new license faster, ask the office staff whether expedited mail is an option; some offices offer it for an additional fee.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it at the office using the same process described above. Bring the same documents, pay the $72 fee, and your new license will be mailed to you. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, so do not drive to the office if your license has been expired — arrange a ride or use another form of transportation.
If your license has been expired for five years or longer, Kansas treats this as a new license process, not a renewal. You will need to pass a written test and a vision test in addition to providing your documents. The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The vision test is performed at the office and checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely.
Renewing online or by mail
Kansas does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Some states allow mail renewal for certain situations, but Kansas does not have this option.
If you cannot get to the Wichita office, you may be able to renew at a different Kansas Driver License office in another city. The Kansas Department of Revenue operates offices in Topeka, Kansas City, Salina, and other locations. You will still need the same documents and will pay the same fee. Call 785-296-3671 to find an office near you or to confirm hours before you travel.
What to do if you have changed your name or address
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name on your new license. If you have only changed your address, you do not need any extra documents — just tell the staff your new address when you renew, and it will be printed on your new license.
If you are renewing and your address has changed, make sure you tell the staff before they process your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, so if you give them an old address by mistake, your license will go to the wrong place. You can update your address on the Kansas Department of Revenue website before you go to the office if you want to make sure it is correct.
Renewing if you wear glasses or contacts
If you wear glasses or contacts and your license says you must wear them to drive, you will need to wear them during your vision test at the renewal office. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely with your current prescription. If your vision has changed significantly since your last license, you may be asked to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results.
If you do not wear glasses or contacts but have a restriction on your license that says you must, tell the staff at the office. They can remove the restriction if your vision is now good enough without correction, or they can update it if you now need correction. This is handled during the renewal process at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period. Call 785-296-3671 to learn about your specific situation.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can bring another document that shows your Social Security number instead of the card itself. Acceptable documents include a W-2 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a bank statement showing your number. You do not need the original Social Security card.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew in person?
Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew your license in person. Wear something you feel comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for eight years. Avoid wearing hats, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, as these are not allowed in license photos.
What if I move out of Kansas after I renew?
Your Kansas license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. If you move and want a license from your new state, you will need to contact that state's driver license office. You do not have to do anything with your Kansas license — it straightforward expires on the date printed on it.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license in person. The staff need to verify your identity, take a new photo, and have you sign the process. No one else can do this on your behalf.