How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

Renewing your Kansas driver's license in person or by mail

You can renew your Kansas driver's license either in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes on the day you go; the mail route takes two to three weeks from the day you send your materials. Both methods cost the same: $87 for an eight-year renewal (the standard term for most drivers), though the fee is slightly lower if you are over 65.

Your renewal notice — the postcard the state mails you about 60 days before your license expires — tells you which method you can use. Not all drivers are allowed to renew by mail. If your notice says you must renew in person, you cannot use the mail option, even if you would prefer to.

Before you choose a method, check your current license to see if it is REAL ID compliant (there will be a gold star in the upper right corner). If it is not, you will need to bring additional documents to renew in person, which adds time and complexity. If your license is already REAL ID compliant, renewal is faster because you do not need to re-verify your identity.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, renewal notice, and payment.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and is only available if your renewal notice says you can use it; not all drivers are permitted to renew by mail.
If your current license does not have a gold star (REAL ID compliant), you will need to bring extra documents like a birth certificate or passport to renew in person.
Both methods cost $87 for an eight-year renewal; the fee is lower for drivers over 65.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Renewing in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office

To renew in person, find the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website and go during their business hours. Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice (the postcard), and a payment method — they accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If your current license is REAL ID compliant (has the gold star), the process is straightforward: you will answer a few questions, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If your license is not REAL ID compliant, you will also need to bring documents that prove your identity, date of birth, and Kansas residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, utility bill, or lease agreement. Ask the office staff which documents they need before you go, because requirements can vary slightly.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you wear glasses or contacts and did not wear them when your last photo was taken, you can request a new photo during renewal.

Renewing by mail

If your renewal notice says you can renew by mail, the process is straightforward: sign the back of your renewal notice, enclose a check or money order for $87 (made payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue), and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your current driver's license in the envelope as well.

Mail your renewal materials to the address on your notice, not to a general state office. The address on the notice is the correct processing center for your renewal. The state will mail your new license to the address on file; if you have moved recently, update your address before you mail your renewal, or call the Kansas Department of Revenue to update it after you mail.

The entire process — from the day the state receives your materials to the day your new license arrives at your home — usually takes two to three weeks. If you are close to your expiration date, in-person renewal is faster and more reliable because you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — in person or by mail — as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renewing, which requires a written test and an in-person visit.

If your license expires within the next two weeks and you have not yet started the renewal process, go in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, which means your new license may not arrive before your current one expires. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you have mailed in your renewal materials.

Updating your address or other information during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. For in-person renewal, tell the staff member at the office and they will update it on the spot. For mail renewal, write your new address on the back of your renewal notice along with your signature, and the state will use that address for your new license.

If you need to change other information — such as your name, gender marker, or organ donor status — you can do some of these during renewal and others only in person. Call the Kansas Department of Revenue before you renew to ask which changes you can make by mail and which require an in-person visit.

Paying the renewal fee

The standard renewal fee is $87 for an eight-year license. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $25 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.

Make checks or money orders payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue. If you are paying by check and your renewal is processed by mail, allow extra time for the check to clear. If your check bounces, the state will contact you and you may need to resubmit payment or renew in person instead.

Tracking your new license after you renew

After you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, you will not receive a temporary license; your new license will arrive by mail two to three weeks after the state receives your materials.

If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue. Have your renewal notice or confirmation number ready. If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, the state can reissue it, though there may be an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas driver's license online?

No, Kansas does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Kansas does not currently provide this option.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

If you lost the postcard the state mailed you, you can still renew in person by bringing your current driver's license and payment. You can also call the Kansas Department of Revenue to request a new renewal notice, though going in person is usually faster.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my driver's license?

No, you do not need to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal unless you want to. If your current license is not REAL ID compliant, you can renew it as a standard license by bringing the required documents. If you want REAL ID, tell the staff member at the office or note it on your mail renewal materials.

What happens if I renew by mail but my check bounces?

The Kansas Department of Revenue will contact you and ask you to resubmit payment. Your renewal will not be processed until payment clears. You may be able to pay by phone or in person at an office instead.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or owe child support?

Kansas can suspend or deny renewal of your license if you owe child support or have certain unpaid court fines. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license can be renewed. Resolving the debt or setting up a payment plan may allow you to proceed with renewal.

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.