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 cannot renew online. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk in and finish the same day at most locations. Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires — that's your signal to start.
You'll need your current Kansas driver's license, proof of Kansas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring the residency document. If your name has changed, you'll need to renew in person with a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license (the standard term in Kansas). If you're over 70, your license is valid for four years and costs $48. Military members stationed outside Kansas can renew by mail without the residency document, but you'll need a military ID and a statement of residency from your commanding officer.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration; use that notice as your checklist of what to bring.
- Renewing by mail takes about two weeks and requires your current license, proof of Kansas residency dated within 60 days, and a check or money order for the fee.
- If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office is same-day, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after in-person renewal; you cannot take it with you that day.
Renewing by Mail
Fill out the renewal notice Kansas sent you — do not throw it away. Write your check or money order for $72 (or $48 if you're over 70) and make it payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Include your current driver's license, the renewal notice, your proof of residency, and the payment in an envelope.
Mail everything to the address printed on your renewal notice. Kansas processes mail renewals at a central office in Topeka. Your new license will arrive in about two weeks. If you're renewing within 30 days of expiration, your old license remains valid while you wait for the new one.
If you don't receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671, or you can renew in person instead. Keep a copy of your mailed renewal for your records — take a photo of the envelope contents before you mail it.
Renewing in Person at a Kansas Office
Find your nearest Kansas Department of Revenue office on the state website. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your payment ($72 or $48). You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins only during certain hours. Call ahead if you're traveling more than 30 minutes.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within two weeks. If your current license is already expired, bring it anyway — the office can still renew it, though you may face a late fee depending on how long it's been expired.
Bring documents in their original form or certified copies. A photocopy of your utility bill or lease is not acceptable as proof of residency — the office needs the actual document or a certified copy from the issuing agency.
If Your License Is Expired
Kansas allows you to renew by mail or in person for up to five years after expiration without penalty. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to take a written test and vision test in addition to the renewal fee. You can schedule a test appointment through the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by phone.
If you're renewing an expired license by mail, include a note with your renewal packet explaining how long it's been expired. The office will review your record and contact you if a test is required. If you're renewing in person, the staff will tell you when ready whether you need to test.
Address Changes and Name Changes
If you've moved within Kansas, you can update your address by mail or in person during renewal. Include your new address on the renewal notice or tell the office staff when you arrive. Proof of residency at your new address is required — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring the certified copy of the document proving the change — a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will not accept a photocopy or an uncertified document. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued.
What Happens After You Renew
Your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license that day valid for 30 days. The permanent license arrives within two weeks. If you renewed by mail, you'll receive only the permanent license — there is no temporary document.
Your old license becomes invalid once your new license arrives. You do not need to return the old one, but destroy it or keep it for your records. If your new license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to check the status.
Your new license is valid for eight years (or four years if you're over 70). Kansas will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before the expiration date printed on your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state now?
No, Kansas requires proof of current Kansas residency to renew. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Kansas resident, you can renew by mail using a Kansas utility bill or lease as proof of residency.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and request a duplicate renewal notice, or renew in person at any Kansas office. You do not need the notice to renew in person, but it's helpful because it lists your current information and the fee amount.
How long can I drive on an expired Kansas license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Renew before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person for up to five years after expiration without retesting, but you should not drive until your new license arrives.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Kansas?
Kansas offers both standard and Real ID compliant licenses. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard renewal and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, bring your birth certificate and Social Security card in addition to the standard documents, and renew in person.
What if my vision or medical condition has changed?
Tell the office staff during renewal. If you wear glasses or contacts, you'll need to pass the vision test. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the office may require a medical evaluation form from your doctor before issuing your new license.