What You Need to Replace Your Kansas Driver's License
To replace a lost or damaged Kansas driver's license, you will go to your local Driver Licensing office in person with proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. Kansas does not mail replacement licenses — you must appear at an office, show documents, have your photo taken, and receive your new license the same day or within a few days. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have the right paperwork.
You cannot replace your license online or by mail, and you cannot use a third-party service to do it for you. The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, runs all driver licensing offices across the state.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kansas Driver Licensing office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you will receive your new license the same day or within a few business days.
- Bring your original documents — a birth certificate, passport, or military ID works as proof of identity, and a Social Security card or tax return works as proof of your number.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
- Driver Licensing offices are open during standard business hours, and you do not need an appointment at most locations.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
Bring one form of proof of identity and one form of proof of your Social Security number. These are the two documents Kansas requires. Your old license counts as proof of identity if you still have it, even if it is damaged.
Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate, or state ID from another state. A school ID, work badge, or credit card does not count. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents from a secondary list — ask your local office which pairs they accept, because the rules vary slightly by location.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a tax return from the past two years, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. A bank statement or utility bill with your name on it does not count as proof of your number, though you may need to bring one of those as well if you cannot produce a primary document.
Where to Find Your Local Driver Licensing Office
Kansas has Driver Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website under "Driver Licensing Locations" — search by county or city. The main office in Topeka handles walk-ins, but so do regional offices in Wichita, Kansas City, and other cities across the state.
Call your local office before you go. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. A few offices require appointments during busy seasons, though most accept walk-ins. The phone number for each office is listed on the Department of Revenue website.
The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods
The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is $20. If your license was damaged by the state (for example, a printing error), you may not have to pay, but you will need to explain the damage when you arrive. Bring cash or a debit card — most offices accept both, but call ahead to confirm your local office takes cards.
If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you will pay the $20 replacement fee plus any reinstatement fees that explore. Reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended — ask the office staff when you call to confirm the total amount you owe.
What Happens When You Arrive at the Office
Hand your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will check that your identity and Social Security number documents are acceptable, enter your information into the system, and ask you to sit for a new photo. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you would wear in a normal day; the photo rules are the same as for an original license.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the $20 fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within a few business days — ask the staff which applies at your office. If it is printed on the spot, you will have it before you leave. If it is mailed, you will receive it at the address on file within three to five business days.
If Your License Was Stolen
You do not have to report a stolen license to police to get a replacement, but you may want to. A police report creates a record that your license was stolen rather than lost, which can help if someone tries to use it fraudulently. Call your local police non-emergency line and ask how to file a report — you can often do this by phone or online without visiting the station.
Bring the police report number (if you have one) when you go to the Driver Licensing office. The staff will note it in your file. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them — they will notify the others automatically.
Replacing a License That Expired While Lost
If your license expired while you were without it, you will still pay only the $20 replacement fee — you do not pay a separate renewal fee. However, if your license expired more than a certain time ago (rules vary by state), you may have to pass a vision test or written test again. Call your local office to ask whether your specific situation requires a test.
If you need to renew your license at the same time as replacing it, the total cost is higher. A renewal is a separate transaction from a replacement. Ask the office staff to clarify the total cost before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Kansas does not issue temporary licenses. If your new license is mailed to you, you will not have a valid license to drive until it arrives. If you need to drive before then, you can carry your receipt from the Driver Licensing office as proof that you applied, though it is not a legal driving document. Check with your insurance company about whether they will cover you during this period.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Tell the staff at the Driver Licensing office that your address has changed. They will update it in the system and print your new address on your replacement license. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. If you do not have proof, ask the office what documents they accept.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most Kansas Driver Licensing offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. Call your local office to confirm, especially if you are going during a busy time like lunch hour or late afternoon. Some offices in larger cities may require appointments during peak seasons, but you can usually get one the same day or next day.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must replace it in Kansas, where it was issued. If you are currently out of state, you can mail your documents to your local Kansas Driver Licensing office with a letter explaining that you lost your license. Include a check or money order for $20. Call the office first to confirm they accept mail-in replacements and to get the correct mailing address.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present to have your photo taken. If your replacement license is mailed to you, someone else can pick it up from your mailbox, but the photo and initial issuance must happen in person at the office.