How to renew your Kansas driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Kansas driver's license through three routes: online at the Kansas Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver's license office. The online method is fastest and available to most people whose licenses are not expired more than five years. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year. In-person renewal at a local office takes about an hour and works regardless of how long your license has been expired.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for it to renew, but it contains your driver's license number and other details that speed up the process. If you have lost the notice, you can still proceed with any renewal method — you will just need to look up your license number or provide your name and date of birth instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website works for most people and takes about 15 minutes, but only if your license expired within the last five years.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed form, your current or recently expired license, and a check or money order — it works only if your license is not expired more than one year.
- In-person renewal at any Kansas driver's license office works for any expiration status and takes roughly one hour, including the written test if you are over 70.
- The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person.
- You will need proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of Kansas residency such as a utility bill or lease, regardless of which renewal method you choose.
Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website
The Kansas Department of Revenue operates the online renewal system at its official website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about any changes to your address or medical conditions, review your information for accuracy, and pay the renewal fee by credit card. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no outstanding traffic violations, suspensions, or holds on your record. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have any active violations or suspensions, you must renew in person. The system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access and will direct you to the in-person or mail renewal process instead.
You do not need to bring any documents to renew online — the system pulls your information from the Kansas Department of Revenue database. However, if you have moved since your last license was issued, you will need to update your address during the online process, and the system may ask you to confirm your new address with a recent utility bill or lease before your new license is mailed.
Mail renewal with a completed form and documents
To renew by mail, read and print the DL 43 form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, or request a form by calling the department at 785-296-3671. Fill in your name, address, and any changes since your last license. Include your current or recently expired license, a check or money order for $48 (four-year license) or $96 (eight-year license), and proof of your current Kansas address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Mail your completed form and documents to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired more than one year — if it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the department received your documents. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of mailing, call the Kansas Department of Revenue to confirm they received your form and check the status of your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Kansas driver's license office
Visit any Kansas driver's license office with your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Kansas residency. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required. You will fill out a form, have your photograph taken, and pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by credit card. The entire visit usually takes 45 minutes to one hour. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day.
In-person renewal works regardless of how long your license has been expired. If you are 70 years old or older, you will also take a written vision and knowledge test as part of the renewal process — this adds about 15 to 20 minutes to your visit. If you do not pass the vision test, the office will refer you to an eye care provider before your license can be renewed.
To find the driver's license office nearest you, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and search for office locations by county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours, as some smaller offices have limited schedules or may close for lunch.
Documents you need for any renewal method
All renewal methods require proof of identity and proof of Kansas residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID.
For proof of Kansas residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your move-in date.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Kansas Department of Revenue will not update your name without this document.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Kansas driver's license costs $48 to renew. An eight-year license costs $96. You choose the length when you renew. Online renewal accepts credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and credit or debit cards.
If you are 70 or older, the renewal fee is reduced. A four-year license costs $24 and an eight-year license costs $48. This discount applies regardless of which renewal method you use. You do not need to request the discount — the office or online system will explore it automatically based on your date of birth.
What happens if your license has been expired more than five years
If your Kansas driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office, a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a new photograph. The process takes longer than renewal and costs more. You will need the same identity and residency documents as renewal, plus your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or visit the website to confirm whether your license qualifies for renewal or whether you need to explore for a new one. The department can tell you over the phone based on your license number and expiration date.
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. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date. The renewal fee is the same regardless of when you renew, and your new license will have a new expiration date one or two years from the date you renew.
What if I have moved out of Kansas since my last license?
You cannot renew a Kansas license if you no longer live in Kansas. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn about their licensing process.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the online system when ready after renewal, though not all businesses accept printed temporary licenses.
What if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspension on my record?
You cannot renew online if you have an active suspension, hold, or outstanding violation. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. The office will tell you what needs to be resolved before your license can be renewed. In many cases, paying the ticket or fine will clear the hold and allow renewal to proceed.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For online and mail renewal, no — you must complete the process yourself. For in-person renewal, you must be present in the office yourself. The Kansas Department of Revenue does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf.