Where to renew your license in Wichita
In Wichita, you renew your driver's license at the Kansas Department of Revenue's Driver Licensing office. The main location is at 3601 N. Hydraulic Avenue, Wichita, KS 67219. This is the office that handles all standard renewals for Sedgwick County residents.
You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision problems that require testing. If you may have access to for mail renewal, you can request the form by calling the Wichita office at (316) 660-1500 or visiting the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Walk-in appointments are available, but the office also takes scheduled appointments. Calling ahead to schedule can reduce your wait time, especially during busy periods like lunch hours or the end of the month.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Licensing office at 3601 N. Hydraulic Avenue in Wichita handles all standard license renewals for Sedgwick County.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
- Mail renewal is an option if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions or vision testing needs.
- The renewal fee in Kansas is $72 for a six-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- Processing takes about 10 business days if you renew in person; mail renewals take longer and should be submitted well before your license expires.
What documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal at the Wichita office, bring a valid form of identification. This can be your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. You also need proof of your current Kansas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days will work.
Have your Social Security number ready. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring additional documentation, and you should call the office beforehand to confirm what they need. Bring your current license itself if you still have it, though it is not required if it has been lost or stolen.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your current CDL and any medical certification documents if your medical card is expiring or expired. The requirements are stricter for commercial licenses, so call ahead if you hold a CDL.
The renewal process and timeline
When you arrive at the office, you will check in and take a number. You will be called to a window where staff will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is that day.
You will pay the renewal fee at the window — $72 for a standard six-year license in Kansas. The office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. After payment, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you.
Your new license arrives by mail within about 10 business days. The temporary paper license is your proof of a valid license during that time, so keep it with you. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, call the office to check the status.
Mail renewal: when it works and how to do it
Mail renewal is faster than going to the office if you are not in a rush — you avoid the trip and the wait. However, you can only use mail renewal if your current license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you do not need a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person.
To renew by mail, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Licensing office at (316) 660-1500 and request the mail renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $72 payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue, and mail it to the address they provide. Include a copy of your proof of residency and your current license if possible.
Mail renewals take longer than in-person renewals — typically three to four weeks from the time the office receives your form. Send your renewal form at least six weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap in your valid license. If you are cutting it close, renewing in person is safer because you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will need to take the written knowledge test and the driving skills test, in addition to providing all your documents.
You will still go to the same office at 3601 N. Hydraulic Avenue, but you should call ahead at (316) 660-1500 to schedule a testing appointment. Testing appointments fill up, especially during busy seasons, so scheduling in advance is important. Bring the same documents you would for a renewal, plus you should study the Kansas Driver's Manual before your written test.
The fee for a new license is the same as a renewal — $72 for a six-year license — but you will spend more time at the office because of the testing. Plan for at least one to two hours.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to understand why the suspension or revocation happened and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Call (316) 660-1500 and explain your situation.
Depending on the reason — unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction — you may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a driver improvement course, provide medical documentation, or wait out a suspension period. The office will tell you exactly what is required in your case. Only after those requirements are met can you renew your license.
Do not wait until your license expires to address a suspension or revocation. The sooner you contact the office and resolve the issue, the sooner you can renew and drive legally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Kansas does not offer online license renewal. You must renew either in person at the office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly, since you receive a temporary license the same day.
What if I have moved out of Kansas but still have a Kansas license?
You should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Kansas license. If you are still a Kansas resident but have moved within the state, bring your new proof of residency when you renew. If you have moved out of state, contact your new state's DMV to begin the process there.
How long is a Kansas driver's license valid?
A standard Kansas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your license will show both the issue date and expiration date. You can renew it anytime within 12 months before it expires.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
Yes, a new photo is taken at every renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail. For mail renewals, you may be able to use your current photo if you have renewed recently, but call the office to confirm before sending your form.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If your license was lost or stolen, you can still renew it. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number to the office, and staff will issue a replacement. You do not need to file a separate police report for a lost license, though you can if you want a record of it.