Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV
To renew your Kansas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your current license. The Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles accepts a specific list of documents for each category, and bringing the wrong ones will delay your renewal.
For proof of identity, bring your current Kansas driver's license or ID card. If you don't have one, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Kansas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You'll also need your Social Security number. Write it down or have it memorized — you'll enter it during the renewal process. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Kansas driver's license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any DMV office.
- You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail if your license is not expired, or online through the Kansas DMV website if you meet certain conditions.
- The renewal fee is $84 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- Processing takes about 10 business days by mail and same-day in person, though you may wait in line at busy locations.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DMV office in person.
Renewal by mail or online
Kansas allows you to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired. To renew online, go to the Kansas DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file.
To renew by mail, contact your local DMV office or read the renewal form from the Kansas DMV website. Mail the form with a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for $84 to the address on the form. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the DMV to mail your new license back to you.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Walk into any Kansas DMV office with your documents and your Social Security number. You'll fill out form DL-43 (the renewal process) at the office or read it beforehand to save time. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the $84 fee. Some offices are busier than others — call ahead or check the Kansas DMV website to see wait times at your nearest location. Processing takes the same day, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.
Vision and written tests during renewal
You will take a vision test at every renewal, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV office.
You will not take the written test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the DMV has a reason to require it (such as a medical condition noted in your file). If you do need to take the written test, you can study the Kansas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the Kansas DMV website.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renewed in person, you'll get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. If you renewed by mail or online, your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of the DMV receiving your process.
Check your new license when it arrives to make sure the name, address, and license number are correct. If something is wrong, contact the DMV office that processed your renewal. Do not drive with an expired license — if your temporary license expires before your permanent one arrives, contact the DMV to ask about a replacement.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved since your last license, use your new address on the renewal form. You'll need proof of residency at your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change and list your new name on the renewal form.
If you're renewing online and need to change your address or name, you may not be able to do so through the online system. Call your local DMV office to ask whether you need to renew in person or by mail instead.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for an eight-year Kansas driver's license is $84. This is the standard fee for most drivers. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee may be different — ask your DMV office.
You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DMV office. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. If you're renewing online, you'll pay by debit or credit card during the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
No, not by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. You may also need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring all your documents and be prepared to spend more time at the office than a standard renewal would take.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease for proof of residency?
The Kansas DMV accepts mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, insurance bills, and government documents with your name and current address. The document must be dated within 60 days. If you have none of these, call your local DMV office to ask what other documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
About 10 business days after the DMV receives your process or processes your in-person renewal. If you renewed in person, you'll get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait. If more than 30 days pass, contact the DMV office that processed your renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
Yes, if you renew in person. The DMV will take a new photo at the office. If you renew by mail or online, the DMV will use your photo from your current license unless you request a new one — call your local office to ask how to do that.
What if my name or address is wrong on my new license when it arrives?
Contact the DMV office that processed your renewal right away. Bring your new license and proof of the correct information (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill). The DMV can issue a corrected license, usually at no extra cost if the error was theirs.