What You Need to Do to Renew in Kansas
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Exam Station. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew by mail or online without leaving home, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you want to change your photo.
Your Kansas license is valid for six years. The state sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires, which tells you which method you can use. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Mail and online renewal are available only if your current license is not expired or expired less than one year, and you do not need a new photo.
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website costs $20 and takes about five business days after you submit.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the address on your renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Exam Station is required if your license expired more than one year ago or if you want to update your photo.
- You will need proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport) for any renewal method.
Renewing Online Through the Kansas Department of Revenue
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website, find the Driver License Services section, and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
The online system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything is correct, you pay $20 and submit. The state then mails your new license to the address you have on record. Processing takes about five business days after submission, though mail delivery adds another week or two depending on where you live.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, if you want to change your address, or if you need a new photo. In those cases, you must go in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is current or expired less than one year. The renewal notice the state sends you includes a form and an envelope. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order for $20 to the address printed on the envelope.
Mail the packet at least two weeks before your license expires to give the state time to process and mail your new license back. Processing takes about two weeks, and mail delivery adds another week or two. If you are cutting it close to your expiration date, online renewal is faster.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can read the form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call 785-296-3671 to request one. You still need to mail your current license with the form and payment.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Exam Station
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your address. Find your nearest Driver Exam Station on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Most stations are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited hours.
Bring your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and you will pay $20. You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the state mails your permanent license.
No appointment is needed at most stations, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for your station's policy before you go.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a Driver Exam Station in person. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal — bring proof of identity and residency, get a new photo taken, and pay $20.
The state does not penalize you for renewing late, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, the temporary paper license you receive at the station is valid for 30 days.
Costs and Payment Methods
A six-year Kansas driver's license renewal costs $20, whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For online renewal, use a debit or credit card. For in-person renewal, the Driver Exam Station accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card — call ahead if you want to confirm what your specific station takes.
If you renew online or by mail and your new license arrives damaged or unreadable, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue and they will send a replacement at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a Kansas address to renew a Kansas license. If you moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Kansas license to any Driver Exam Station or mail it to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
What if my name changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail and online renewal cannot process name changes.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license you receive at a Driver Exam Station is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671.
Can I renew early, before my license expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires using any method — mail, online, or in person. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; it will still be valid for six years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must go in person to a Driver Exam Station. Bring proof of identity and residency, and the staff will issue a replacement license. The cost is the same: $20.