What you need to renew your Kansas license
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Examination Station. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew before their license expires, which keeps the process straightforward.
You will need your current Kansas driver's license and proof that you live in Kansas — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address works. If you are renewing by mail or online, you also need a way to pay the fee, which is $48 for a four-year renewal or $96 for an eight-year renewal as of 2024. Bring the original documents or certified copies if you renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but you must include a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Examination Station lets you get a new photo and handles complications, but requires an appointment in most counties.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online and must go in person or by mail.
Renewing online through the Kansas DMV website
The Kansas Department of Revenue runs an online renewal system at kdor.ks.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about whether your address and medical information have changed, and pay the fee with a debit or credit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal only works if your current license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and your address is still correct. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. After you submit online, the system tells you when ready whether your renewal went through. Your new license prints and mails within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail with the Kansas DMV
To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call 785-296-3671 to request one. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of residence, and send a check or money order for $48 (four years) or $96 (eight years) to the address on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after that. This method works whether your current license is expired or not, and you do not need to provide a new photo unless your license is more than 12 years old. Keep a copy of everything you mail in case questions come up.
Renewing in person at a Driver Examination Station
You can walk into any Kansas Driver Examination Station to renew in person. Most stations now require an appointment, which you book through the Kansas DMV website or by calling 785-296-3671. Bring your current license, proof of residence, and payment. You will get a new photo taken on the spot, which is useful if your current photo is outdated or if you want to change how you look on your license.
In-person renewal also handles situations that online and mail renewal cannot: if your address changed and you do not have a current proof of residence, if your name changed, or if there are questions about your medical history or driving record. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license mails to you within 7 to 10 business days, just as it does with other methods.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your Kansas license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew by mail or in person. You cannot renew online once your license expires. Mail in the DL-43 form with proof of residence and payment, or book an in-person appointment at a Driver Examination Station.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Kansas treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to pass a written test and an eye exam, and you may need to provide additional documents. Call the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 to find out what you need before you go in person, because the requirements depend on how long your license has been expired and your age.
Fees and how long the process takes
A four-year renewal costs $48, and an eight-year renewal costs $96. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though Kansas may adjust them. If you renew online or by mail, you pay once and that is the total cost. If you renew in person, you pay at the Driver Examination Station.
Online renewal is fastest: you get approval when ready and your license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus 7 to 10 business days for mailing. In-person renewal is when ready for the appointment itself, but your license still mails to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask at the Driver Examination Station whether they can issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I moved out of state?
No. Kansas only renews licenses for people who still live in Kansas. If you moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can keep your Kansas license as a non-driver ID if you want, but you cannot renew it as a driver's license.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name changed. You must go in person to a Driver Examination Station with your current license, proof of residence, and a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Kansas Driver Examination Stations require appointments now. You can book one through the Kansas DMV website or by calling 785-296-3671. A few stations may still accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is the safest approach. Appointments usually fill up a few weeks out, so plan ahead.
What if I do not have proof of residence?
You need a document with your name and current Kansas address to renew. If you do not have one, go in person to a Driver Examination Station and bring your current license plus two other documents that show your address — a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. The station staff can help you figure out what counts.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support order?
Kansas can suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines. The DMV will tell you during the renewal process if there is a hold on your license. You will need to resolve the issue before your renewal goes through. Contact the court or the Kansas Department for Children and Families to find out what you owe.