Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Kansas driver's license in person at any Kansas Department of Revenue office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you'll leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal is slower — typically two to three weeks — but works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you're renewing before it expires (not after).
For either method, bring your current Kansas driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but only works if your license is not suspended and you renew before it expires.
- You need your current license and proof of your Social Security number; bring a name-change document if applicable.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for — typically $20 to $40 for a standard renewal.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must go in person.
Renewing in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office
Find your nearest office on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Most cities have at least one location, and larger cities have multiple branches. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than late afternoon or Friday.
Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and payment. Kansas accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid: a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Ask the clerk which option is available to you based on your age and driving record.
You'll complete a short form at the office, have your photo taken, and sign the new license. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you leave — the permanent license will go to whatever address you provide that day.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is only an option if your current license is valid (not expired), not suspended, and has no medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct any information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit.
Request a mail renewal form by calling the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671, or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order — the Department does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.
Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. During that time, your current license remains valid. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license is still your legal proof of licensure.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass a written test on Kansas traffic laws and a driving skills test. You cannot do this by mail; you must go to a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person.
Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll take the written test at the office that day. If you pass, you'll schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is usually available within one to two weeks.
Updating your address during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this by mail — you must renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number.
The clerk will update your address in the system before your new license is printed. Your permanent license will be mailed to the new address you provide. If you're moving soon but haven't received your new license yet, tell the clerk and provide a temporary mailing address if needed.
Changing your name on your license
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.
You must renew in person — name changes cannot be done by mail. Go to any Kansas Department of Revenue office with your current license, the certified name-change document, and proof of Social Security number. The clerk will update your name in the system and print your new license with the correct name that day. You'll receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?
No. Kansas only allows mail renewal for people who live in Kansas. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Kansas but are temporarily out of state, you can wait until you return to renew in person, or ask a family member to mail your renewal form on your behalf.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail. Go to a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person and bring proof of Social Security number and proof of your address. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The office will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent card within 30 days.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you renew in person. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 30 days. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days, so if your permanent card hasn't arrived by then, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to check the status.
Can I renew my license online?
Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online if you meet the requirements — your license must not be expired, suspended, or have medical restrictions.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 785-296-3671 to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.