What You Need to Renew in Kansas
Kansas renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. You do not have to take a written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the state flags your record for a retest. Most people renew by mail, which takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your materials.
Your current license must not be suspended or revoked. If it is, you will need to resolve that issue before you can renew. You can check your license status on the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by calling their customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, and you can renew up to one year early.
- Mail renewal requires your current license, the renewal notice, a check or money order, and a completed process form — no in-person visit needed for most people.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and requires the same documents plus proof of residency.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written test.
- The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license; military members and veterans may pay a reduced rate.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is the fastest route for most people. The Kansas Department of Revenue mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and an process form. You do not need to request anything — it arrives automatically.
To renew by mail, gather your current driver's license, the renewal notice, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Write your driver's license number on the check. Fill out the process form that came with the notice, sign it, and mail everything in the prepaid envelope. Do not mail cash. The state typically processes mail renewals within two weeks of receiving them, though it can take longer during busy periods.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so if you receive your notice early and have time to mail it, you can do so without waiting. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks after the state processes your renewal.
Renewing in Person at a Kansas Department of Revenue Office
If you prefer to renew in person or cannot use mail renewal, visit any Kansas Department of Revenue office. Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice (if you have it), proof of your current Kansas address, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
The visit typically takes 30 minutes or less. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year. In that case, you will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test before your license is renewed.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago
If your current license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to pass a vision screening and take the written knowledge test — the same test new drivers take. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee. The office will schedule your vision and written tests during your visit. If you pass both, your new license will be processed and mailed to you. If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it, usually the same day or within a few days.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Kansas charges $48 for a four-year driver's license or $96 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. Payment must be by check or money order — the state does not accept cash by mail, and in-person offices accept cash, check, or money order. Some offices may accept debit or credit cards, but this varies by location, so call ahead if you plan to pay by card.
Military members on active duty, military retirees, and veterans may pay a reduced renewal fee. Bring your military ID or discharge papers to prove your status. If you renew by mail, include a copy of your military documentation with your process.
Tracking Your Renewal and What to Do If It Does Not Arrive
After you mail your renewal or complete an in-person visit, your new license should arrive within two to three weeks. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. They can tell you whether your renewal was processed and provide an estimated delivery date.
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can drive legally on the renewal notice or receipt you received at the office. Keep this document with you. If you renewed by mail, you do not have a receipt, so contact the state to confirm your renewal was received before your current license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license online?
No, Kansas does not offer online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Mail renewal is the most common method and requires no office visit.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew by mail without the notice. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to request a renewal process form, or visit an office in person with your current license and proof of address. The renewal fee and process remain the same.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew by mail, your photo stays the same. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo by mail renewal.
What if my address changed since my last license?
Update your address on your renewal process. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and the staff member will update it during your visit.
Can someone else mail in my renewal for me?
Yes, a family member or trusted person can mail your renewal materials for you. Make sure your process is signed and all required documents are included. The state will mail your new license to the address listed on your process.