Where to go and what to bring in Johnson County
Johnson County residents renew their Kansas driver licenses at the Johnson County Driver License Office, located at 111 South Cherry Street in Olathe. This is the main office for the county and handles all renewal types. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current Kansas driver license, proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and does not require an appointment. Walk-ins are processed in the order they arrive. Bring cash or a debit card; they do not accept personal checks.
Key Takeaways
- The Johnson County Driver License Office is at 111 South Cherry Street in Olathe and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no appointment needed.
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
- The renewal fee is $84 for an eight-year license or $54 for a four-year license, paid in cash or by debit card at the office.
- Your new license is issued the same day you complete the in-person renewal, or within two weeks if you renew by mail.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
Kansas allows mail renewal only if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions noted on your current license, and your name has not changed. You cannot renew by mail if you are renewing early due to a name change or medical update.
To renew by mail, contact the Johnson County Driver License Office at (913) 715-7000 and request a mail renewal packet. They will mail you the form and instructions. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($84 for eight years or $54 for four years), and mail it back to the office with a copy of your proof of residency. Do not send your current license unless the office specifically asks you to.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at the office is faster — you receive it the same day.
What happens during your in-person renewal visit
When you arrive at the office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review your proof of residency and Social Security number, then take a new photo for your license. You will be asked to sign the back of your new license before you leave.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is printed on-site and handed to you before you leave. If the office discovers an issue with your documents — for example, your proof of residency is outside the 60-day window — they will tell you what additional documents you need to bring back.
Pay the renewal fee at the counter before you leave. The fee is $84 for an eight-year license (standard for most adults) or $54 for a four-year license (available if you request it). You can pay only in cash or by debit card.
If your license is already expired
If your Kansas license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to the Johnson County Driver License Office and includes a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. Contact the office at (913) 715-7000 to schedule a test appointment.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard process described above. Bring the same documents and follow the same steps. There is no penalty fee for renewing a recently expired license.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your Kansas driver license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or because they have an upcoming trip. The process is identical to a standard renewal — bring the same documents and pay the same fee.
Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years, if you request it) from the date you renew. The old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one, even if it has not yet expired.
Contact information and office hours
Johnson County Driver License Office 111 South Cherry Street Olathe, Kansas 66061 Phone: (913) 715-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on state holidays. The office does not accept appointments, so arrive during regular hours and expect to wait if the office is busy. Call ahead if you have questions about which documents to bring or whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. Kansas will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension. Contact the Johnson County District Court or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the fine before you visit the Driver License Office. Once the fine is paid, you can renew normally.
What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have a W-2 or 1099?
You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office in Olathe before you renew your license. Alternatively, bring a birth certificate and a second form of ID (such as a passport or military ID) to the Driver License Office and ask if they will accept those in place of proof of Social Security number. Call (913) 715-7000 first to confirm what documents they will accept.
Do I need to take a vision test or written test to renew?
For a standard renewal, you do not take a written test or driving test. You will have your vision checked at the office to make sure you can read the eye chart. If you fail the vision test, the office will issue a restricted license or ask you to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.
How long is my new license valid?
Your new Kansas driver license is valid for eight years from the date you renew, unless you request a four-year license instead. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before it expires.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) to the office. The staff will update your address during the renewal process, and your new license will show the updated address. You do not need to notify the office in advance.