Reinstatement fees in Kansas depend on how long your license has been expired

Kansas charges a reinstatement fee when you renew an expired driver's license, separate from the cost of the license itself. The reinstatement fee is $20 if your license expired fewer than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot straightforward reinstate it — you must explore for a new license instead, which costs $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license.

The total cost to get back a valid license depends on which category you fall into. If you are within the five-year window, you will pay the $20 reinstatement fee plus the renewal fee for a new license ($48 or $96, depending on the term you choose). If your license expired more than five years ago, you skip the reinstatement fee and pay only the new license fee.

You can renew or reinstate your Kansas license in person at any Driver Licensing office, by mail, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website — though online renewal is only available if your license expired within the past five years and you meet other requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • A $20 reinstatement fee applies only if your license expired fewer than five years ago; licenses expired longer than that require a new process instead.
  • You will also pay the standard renewal fee ($48 for four years or $96 for eight years) on top of any reinstatement fee.
  • Licenses expired more than five years ago cannot be reinstated and must go through the full new license process, which includes a vision test and written exam.
  • You can renew online if your license expired within five years and you meet the state's online renewal requirements; otherwise, you must visit a Driver Licensing office or mail in your process.

When your license expired fewer than five years ago

If your Kansas driver's license expired within the last five years, you are in the reinstatement window. You will pay the $20 reinstatement fee plus the cost of a new license. Choose either a four-year license for $48 or an eight-year license for $96, depending on how long you want it to be valid.

You can handle this by mail or in person at any Kansas Driver Licensing office. If you choose to renew online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, you will pay the same fees but avoid a trip. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it from home and receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

When your license expired more than five years ago

Licenses that have been expired for more than five years cannot be reinstated. Instead, you must explore for a new license. You will not pay a reinstatement fee, but you will pay the full new license fee ($48 or $96) and you must take a vision test and written exam at a Driver Licensing office.

This process takes longer than a straightforward reinstatement because the state treats it as a new process. You cannot renew online; you must appear in person. Bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number. The written exam covers Kansas traffic laws, and you must pass it before your new license is issued.

How to pay and where to go

Kansas Driver Licensing offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only.

To find the Driver Licensing office nearest you, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and use their office locator. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Call ahead if you are explore for a new license (expired more than five years), because you will need an appointment at some offices.

Documents you will need

For a reinstatement (expired fewer than five years), bring your expired license and proof of Kansas residency, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are renewing by mail, a photocopy of your expired license is acceptable.

For a new license process (expired more than five years), bring your expired license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or card. You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam, so plan for extra time at the office.

Timeline and what to expect

If you renew in person, your new license is usually issued the same day. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks from submission to delivery.

If you are explore for a new license because yours expired more than five years ago, the in-person appointment will take 30 to 45 minutes. You will take the vision test first, then the written exam. If you pass both, your license is printed on the spot. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my reinstatement?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas, even if you have submitted your reinstatement process. You must wait until your new license arrives before driving. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof of your process, but this does not make driving legal.

Do I have to take a written test to reinstate my license?

No, not if your license expired fewer than five years ago. A written test is required only if your license expired more than five years ago and you are explore for a new license. For a reinstatement, you only need to provide proof of identity and residency.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still reinstate or renew without the physical license. Bring another form of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of Kansas residency. The Driver Licensing office can look up your record in the system using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Is there a grace period after my license expires?

Kansas does not have an official grace period. Your license is invalid the moment it expires. However, the five-year reinstatement window means you have up to five years to renew without taking a new written exam, so there is no rush to renew when ready after expiration.

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. Online renewal is available only for licenses expired fewer than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a Driver Licensing office in person to explore for a new license and take the required vision and written tests.