How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

Renewing Your Kansas License in Person or by Mail

Kansas lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Driver Examination office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and lets you handle everything the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit — you fill out the form at home, mail it with your documents, and your new license arrives by post.

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If any of those do not explore to you, you must go in person. You also must renew in person if you want to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo.

Key Takeaways

Kansas lets you renew by mail if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no address changes or medical restrictions, otherwise you must visit a Driver Examination office in person.
The mail route requires form DL 43, your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee, which varies by license type.
In-person renewal at any Driver Examination office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks if you renew by mail, or you can pick it up the same day if you renew in person.
Kansas Driver Examination offices are located in Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita, and several other cities; you can find the nearest one on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.

Renewing by Mail: Documents and Steps

To renew by mail, start by getting form DL 43 from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by calling 785-296-3671. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any name changes since your last renewal. You will need to include your current driver's license, a copy of a document that proves your Kansas address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works), and payment.

The renewal fee depends on your license type. A standard four-year renewal costs $72. A Real ID-compliant license costs $102 for four years. Mail your completed form, documents, and payment to the address listed on the form — currently the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Control Bureau, 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Do not send cash; use a check or money order. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks.

Renewing in Person at a Driver Examination Office

If you cannot renew by mail or prefer to handle it in person, visit any Kansas Driver Examination office. The state operates offices in Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita, Salina, Hays, and Garden City. You can find hours and locations on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Kansas address (same documents as the mail route), and payment in cash, check, or card.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes or less. If you need to change your address, add Real ID, or update your photo, you must do this in person — the mail route does not allow these changes.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired More Than One Year

If your Kansas license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a Driver Examination office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal — your expired license, proof of address, and payment — but the office may ask additional questions about why the license lapsed.

You do not have to retake the written or driving test unless the office suspects a problem or your medical status has changed. Most people in this situation complete the renewal in one visit, though processing may take slightly longer than a standard renewal.

Real ID and Address Changes During Renewal

If you want to add the Real ID star to your license during renewal, you must do this in person. Real ID requires proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your standard renewal documents. The Real ID fee is $30 more than a standard renewal, so a four-year Real ID license costs $102 instead of $72.

You can also change your address during renewal, but only in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new Kansas address, and payment. The office will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information the same day.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $72. A Real ID-compliant license costs $102 for four years. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, or card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office does not take card payments by mail.

Some Driver Examination offices may charge a small additional fee if you need a duplicate or replacement license the same day, but standard renewals have no hidden costs. If you are a military member stationed outside Kansas, you may be able to renew by mail even if your license is expired more than one year — contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license online?

No, Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Driver Examination office, but there is no online option through the state website.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you need it sooner, renew in person at a Driver Examination office and you will receive it the same day.

What if I moved out of Kansas but still have a Kansas license?

You cannot renew a Kansas license if you no longer live in Kansas. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn about their renewal process.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my regular Kansas license?

No, you can renew a standard driver's license without Real ID. Real ID is optional and costs $30 more. You only need Real ID if you plan to use your license as identification for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

You can renew by mail and note your name change on form DL 43, but you must include a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you prefer, you can renew in person and bring the same document.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.