Get a replacement license by visiting a Kansas DMV office with proof of identity and citizenship
Kansas replaces lost driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles. You will need to visit a DMV office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will pay a fee of $20 for a standard replacement license.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license. Kansas treats a replacement as a reissue of your current license class and restrictions. If your license has expired or is about to expire, you may want to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional fee and extends your license validity.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kansas DMV office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Kansas residency to request a replacement.
- The replacement fee is $20, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
- If your license has expired, you can renew it at the same time for an additional fee rather than replacing it twice.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as Kansas requires this information to process the replacement.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Kansas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring a valid photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have another photo ID, you can bring a combination of non-photo documents — a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, for example — though this takes longer to process.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Kansas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your ID does not reflect your new address, bring documentation of both the old and new address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a document that displays your number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you cannot locate this information, the DMV can sometimes verify it through other means, but this may delay processing.
Finding your nearest DMV office and scheduling
Kansas operates DMV offices in most counties. The Kansas Department of Revenue website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices typically have shorter waits than those in Wichita or Kansas City. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you.
Kansas does not require appointments for license replacements, but some offices accept them. Check your local office's website or call ahead to ask whether appointments are available and whether they reduce wait time. Walk-ins are always accepted, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
If you need your replacement urgently, some DMV offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Ask at your local office whether this option is available and what it costs. Expedited processing typically means your license is mailed within 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10.
The replacement process at the DMV office
When you arrive at the DMV, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are requesting a replacement license due to loss. The clerk will review your documents, verify your identity and residency, and confirm your current license information in the system.
You will be asked to confirm or update your address, height, eye color, and other identifying information. If any details have changed since your original license was issued, update them now. You will also be asked whether you want to renew your license at the same time if it is expiring within the next 60 days.
The clerk will take a new photo for your replacement license unless you request to use the photo from your current license (if you still have it). You will then pay the $20 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will give you a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.
What happens after you leave the DMV
Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submitted your process. If you paid for expedited processing, it arrives within 3 to 5 business days. The envelope will have a return address from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
The temporary paper license you received at the DMV is valid for 45 days. You can use it as proof of identity and driving privileges during this time. Once your replacement arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to return it.
If your replacement does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to check the status. Have your receipt from the DMV office ready. If your replacement is lost or damaged in the mail, you can request a reprint, though this may involve another trip to the DMV.
If you need your license before the replacement arrives
The temporary paper license issued at the DMV is your legal proof of driving privileges while you wait. Most employers, banks, and government offices accept it as valid identification. Some businesses may be hesitant to accept a paper license — if this happens, explain that it is a temporary document issued by the state and is valid until the date printed on it.
If you need a photo ID for purposes other than driving (such as air travel or age verification), the temporary paper license may not be accepted because it does not include a photo. In this case, you can request an expedited replacement at the DMV for an additional fee, or you can obtain a state ID card from the DMV as a separate document. A state ID card costs $20 and serves as photo identification for non-driving purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail if I live out of state?
No. Kansas requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to replace a lost license. If you live outside Kansas, you will need to visit a Kansas DMV office during a trip back to the state, or you can ask a family member or trusted person to handle the replacement on your behalf if you provide them with a notarized power of attorney. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to confirm whether this option is available.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
Bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you do not have any of these, the DMV can attempt to verify your number through other means, but this may delay processing. You can also request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration at the same time you replace your license.
Do I have to pay the $20 fee if my license was stolen?
Yes. Kansas charges $20 for a replacement license regardless of whether it was lost or stolen. There is no fee waiver for theft. If your license was stolen as part of a larger crime, you may want to file a police report for your records, but this does not affect the DMV fee.
Can I get a REAL ID compliant license when I replace my lost license?
Yes. If your original license was REAL ID compliant, your replacement will be as well. If your original license was not REAL ID compliant and you want to upgrade, bring the additional documents required for REAL ID (such as a passport or certified birth certificate) and pay an additional fee. Ask the DMV clerk which documents you need.
What if my address has changed since I got my original license?
Update your address at the DMV when you request your replacement. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. Your replacement license will show your current address. You do not need to change your address separately before replacing your license.