How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

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 local driver's license office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person.

Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice tells you which renewal method works for you based on your specific situation. Keep this notice — you will need the information on it to complete your renewal.

Key Takeaways

Kansas sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, and you should use the method listed on that notice.
Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal costs $20, takes 7 to 10 business days after Kansas receives it, and requires you to send in your renewal notice and payment.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has expired, and you will need your current ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
Your new license will be mailed to you after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing online through the Kansas website

The Kansas Department of Revenue runs an online renewal system at kdor.ks.gov. You can renew online if your license has not expired, you have not changed your address or legal name, and you do not need to update your photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20.

To renew online, you will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid payment method — Kansas accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, use the method listed on your renewal notice instead. This usually means your address or name has changed, your license has expired, or you need a new photo.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid. Kansas will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form you fill out and return with your payment. Mail renewal costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days after the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your envelope.

To renew by mail, sign the back of your renewal notice where it says "Signature," include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your renewal notice in the envelope — Kansas uses the barcode on it to process your request.

Your new license will be mailed to the address shown on your renewal notice. If you have moved since you received the notice, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 before you mail it in, so they can update your address and send your new license to the right place.

Renewing in person at a driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license has expired. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo, update your address or legal name, or if the online or mail options told you to come in. Kansas has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours at kdor.ks.gov under "Driver's License Offices."

Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof that you live in Kansas (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. The fee is $20 for a standard license. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call ahead to see if you need an appointment.

The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and give you a temporary paper license to use while your new one is mailed. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license with you so the office can see your previous information.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new one. This means you will need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just renew. Reapplication requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office and costs more than renewal.

If your license expired very recently (within the grace period Kansas allows), you may still be able to renew by mail or in person without retesting. Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to ask whether your license can still be renewed or if you must reapply. Have your license number ready when you call.

Fees and what they cover

A standard driver's license renewal in Kansas costs $20, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers a four-year license. If you are over 65 years old, renewal costs $10 for a four-year license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some flights), the cost is the same — $20 — but you will need to bring additional documents proving your identity and residency when you renew in person.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal usually accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call your local office to confirm what they take.

How long your new license takes to arrive

After you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received your new license, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671. Have your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your driver's license number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether your license is still being processed or if there was a problem with your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license if I have moved out of state?

No. Your Kansas license is tied to a Kansas address. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state instead. You cannot renew a Kansas license from out of state.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your legal name has changed. You must renew in person at a driver's license office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license.

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

Real ID is optional. A standard driver's license renewal costs $20 and works for driving. A Real ID-compliant license also costs $20 but requires you to bring extra documents (like a birth certificate and proof of address) when you renew in person. Real ID is needed only if you want to use your license for federal buildings or domestic flights.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at kdor.ks.gov if your license has not expired. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. If you prefer to renew by mail or in person, call 785-296-3671 and ask them to send you a new renewal notice or tell you the renewal fee amount.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your Kansas license up to six months before it expires. Use the same method you would use during your normal renewal window — online, by mail, or in person. Your new license will have a new expiration date four years from the date you renew.

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.