Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Kansas driver's license in person at any Driver Examination Office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and lets you renew when ready. The mail route takes two to three weeks but works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you're renewing by mail, send your current license, the completed process form DL-43, proof of residency, and a check or money order to the address on the form.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Driver Examination Office takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit if your license is valid, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions.
  • The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • You must renew before your license expires, or you'll need to take a written test and vision test to restore it.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval if you renew in person, or within the mail processing time if you explore by mail.

Renewing in person at a Driver Examination Office

Walk into any Driver Examination Office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You'll complete form DL-44 at the office. The staff will take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.

Driver Examination Offices are located in most Kansas counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or special endorsements, and your mailing address is the same as what's on your current license. Complete form DL-43, include your current license, proof of residency, and payment, then mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can visit a Driver Examination Office in person and request a temporary license while your mail renewal is being processed.

Fees and license term options

A four-year renewal license costs $20. An eight-year renewal license costs $40. You choose which term you want when you renew. Payment can be made by cash, check, or debit card at an office, or by check or money order if you renew by mail. Credit cards are not accepted.

Your renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail. If you're over 70 years old, you may renew for a shorter term; ask at the office or check the mail renewal form for age-specific options.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail. You must go to a Driver Examination Office in person. You'll need to retake the written test and vision test, even if you're renewing rather than explore for the first time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.

The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. Both tests are given at the office on the day you visit. If you pass, your license is renewed the same day and you receive a temporary license while your permanent card is mailed.

Address changes and other updates

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person, not by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and payment. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

If you need to change your name, add or remove endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement), or update medical information, you must also renew in person. Mail renewal only works for straightforward renewals with no changes to your record.

After you renew

If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks in most cases, though it can take up to three weeks. If you renewed by mail, your new license will arrive within the processing timeframe stated on the form, usually two to three weeks.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license and temporary license. You can cut them up or shred them. If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Driver Examination Office where you renewed to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Driver Examination Office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license right away.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail if you don't have your current license to send in. Go to a Driver Examination Office in person and request a replacement license. You'll need proof of residency and payment. The office can issue a temporary license the same day.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required. Walk-ins are accepted at all Driver Examination Offices during business hours. Wait times vary, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday morning may mean a shorter wait.

What if my vision or medical condition has changed since my last renewal?

Tell the staff at the Driver Examination Office when you renew. You may need a medical evaluation or a vision test. If your condition affects your ability to drive safely, restrictions or endorsements may be added to your license.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person to renew your license. Mail renewal is the only option if you cannot visit an office yourself, as long as you meet the conditions for mail renewal.