Kansas driver's license renewal: what you need to do
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. Kansas sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a six-year license, but only works if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that Kansas sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you cannot use a credit card by mail.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your name, or you want to add or remove endorsements like a motorcycle rating.
- You will need your Social Security number and current Kansas driver's license or ID card for any renewal method.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website
The Kansas Department of Revenue operates the online renewal system at kdor.ks.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about any address or name changes, review your information, and pay the $72 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal is only available if your current license is valid (not expired), you do not need a new photo, and you are not changing your name or address. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
After you complete online renewal, Kansas mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Kansas mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, instructions, and an envelope. You fill out the form, sign it, enclose a check or money order for $72, and mail it back to the address on the notice. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal works only if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo. If your address or name has changed, you can update it on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after Kansas receives your envelope, and your new license arrives by mail.
If you lose your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or visiting a local office. You can also renew online instead if you prefer not to wait for a replacement notice.
In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your name, you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle or commercial license rating), or you are renewing a commercial driver's license. In-person renewal also applies if you are a new Kansas resident and need to convert an out-of-state license.
Kansas Department of Revenue offices are located in Topeka and in regional offices throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at kdor.ks.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.
Bring your current driver's license or Kansas ID card, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is $72 for a six-year license, and Kansas accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your license has been expired for more than five years, Kansas treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office, and you will need to pass a vision screening. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long the license has been expired and your age.
Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your Social Security number, proof of current address, and any documents showing a name change. The office will schedule you for the vision test and any required written test during your visit or shortly after.
Fees and payment methods
A standard six-year Kansas driver's license renewal costs $72. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Kansas does not charge additional fees for address or name changes made during renewal.
Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order—credit cards are not accepted by mail. In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
How long renewal takes and when you can drive
Online renewal is fastest: your new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date Kansas receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive a temporary paper license to drive on while your plastic card is mailed to you, which arrives within one to two weeks.
Your current license remains valid for driving until it expires, even if you have already started the renewal process. You do not need to stop driving while you wait for your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Kansas will mail your new license, and your current license remains valid until its original expiration date. This is useful if you want to renew early to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal without visiting an office. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the office will update it for you. Your new license will show the updated address.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
Not necessarily. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than 12 years old, you must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to request a replacement notice, or visit a local office. You can also skip the notice and renew online instead if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Kansas does not block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if you have an active suspension or revocation on your license, you cannot renew until that suspension is lifted. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to check your driving record status before you attempt to renew.