What to do when ready after losing your Kansas driver's license
If your Kansas driver's license is lost, you will need to request a replacement from the Kansas Department of Revenue. The state does not require you to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft, but you should act quickly because you cannot legally drive with an expired or missing license, and you will need a valid ID for many everyday tasks.
The fastest way to replace your license is in person at a Kansas Driver Licensing office. You can also request a replacement by mail, though mail processing takes longer. Either way, you will need to bring specific documents and pay a replacement fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Kansas driver's license in person at any Driver Licensing office or by mail through the Kansas Department of Revenue.
- In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes and you can drive home with a temporary license the same day.
- You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Kansas residency, and payment for the replacement fee, which varies depending on how long your new license will be valid.
- If you suspect your license was stolen or used fraudulently, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Replacing your license in person at a Driver Licensing office
Visit any Kansas Driver Licensing office with your Social Security number, proof of Kansas residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring the lost license itself.
The replacement fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Ask the office staff which option fits your situation. You can pay with cash, check, or card at most locations.
When you finish, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address on file. The permanent license usually arrives within one to two weeks. If your address has changed since your last license, tell the office staff so your new license goes to the right place.
Requesting a replacement by mail
You can mail a request to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Licensing Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Include a completed DL-43 form (the replacement process), a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Kansas residency, and a check or money order for the replacement fee.
Mail processing takes four to six weeks, so this method is slower than going in person. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, which means you cannot legally drive during the waiting period. Use this method only if you cannot reach a Driver Licensing office in person.
You can read the DL-43 form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, or call 785-296-3671 to request one by mail.
Finding a Driver Licensing office near you
Kansas has Driver Licensing offices in most counties. The main office is in Topeka, but you can also visit regional offices in larger cities. The Kansas Department of Revenue website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers.
Call ahead before you go. Some offices have walk-in hours, while others require you to schedule an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling first saves you a trip.
What to do if you suspect fraud or identity theft
If you believe your lost license was used fraudulently or if someone stole it intentionally, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to report it. The department can flag your record so that if someone tries to use your lost license, it will be rejected.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling one bureau and asking them to notify the other two, or by visiting each bureau's website directly.
Driving legally while you wait for your replacement
If you received a temporary paper license in person, that document is valid for 30 days and satisfies the legal requirement to carry a driver's license. Keep it with you while you drive.
If you requested a replacement by mail and do not have a temporary license, you cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives. Driving without a valid license can result in a traffic citation, so arrange for someone else to drive or use other transportation during the waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just my Social Security card while I wait for my replacement?
No. Your Social Security card is not a valid driver's license. You need either your temporary paper license (if you replaced it in person) or your permanent license to drive legally. Driving without a valid license is a violation.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Tell the Driver Licensing office staff about your new address when you request your replacement. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you are replacing by mail, include your new address on the DL-43 form.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The fee varies based on the license type and validity period you choose. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Call your local Driver Licensing office or the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 to ask about current fees.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
If you are replacing in person, the office will take a new photo. If you are replacing by mail, your replacement will use the photo from your previous license unless you request a new one. Ask the office staff if you want a new photo taken.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still need to replace it through Kansas. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue by phone at 785-296-3671 to request a replacement by mail, since you cannot visit an office in person. The process is the same as replacing by mail from within Kansas.