How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

Kansas driver's license renewal through the mail or in person

Kansas lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you send in your current license, a completed form, and a check, and the state mails back your new license within two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a local office takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID-compliant license, and how long it has been since your last renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must go to an office in person. If you want a Real ID license — required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 7, 2025 — you must also renew in person because you need to bring original documents that prove your identity and Kansas residency.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $84 for a four-year license or $120 for an eight-year license, plus a $5.50 mail fee.
In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
You can only renew by mail if your license is still valid and has not been expired for more than five years.
Real ID licenses require in-person renewal and original documents proving your identity and Kansas address.
Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives in the mail, so you can drive legally during the two to three week wait.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

To renew by mail, you need a completed Form DL 43 (process for Kansas Driver's License), your current valid driver's license, and a check or money order. You can read Form DL 43 from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or request it by phone. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether your vision, medical conditions, or restrictions have changed since your last renewal.

Mail your documents to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 901 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $84 for a four-year license or $120 for an eight-year license — plus $5.50 for mail processing. Do not send cash. The state will mail your new license to the address on your process within two to three weeks.

Your current license stays valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally while you wait. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is your only option.

In-person renewal at a Kansas Department of Revenue office

You can renew in person at any Kansas Department of Revenue office without an appointment. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted at all offices.

The renewal process takes about 30 minutes. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and check your vision. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.

Find the office nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website, which lists all locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices have longer hours on certain days or are closed on specific holidays, so check before you go.

Real ID licenses and what documents you need

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a gold star and you want one, you must renew in person. Mail renewal is not an option for Real ID because you must show original documents proving your identity and Kansas residency.

Bring one document from each category: a document proving your identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and a document proving your Kansas address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You also need your Social Security number and your current driver's license. The office will make copies of your documents and return the originals to you.

The fee for a Real ID license is the same as a standard renewal — $84 for four years or $120 for eight years. If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew by mail or in person, and your new license will automatically be Real ID-compliant.

When your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Kansas driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person and complete a full process, not just a renewal. This process is longer than a standard renewal and may require additional documents or a written test, depending on how long your license has been expired.

Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue before you go to the office to ask what documents and tests you will need. The office can tell you whether you need to retake the written exam or vision test, and what proof of residency and identity they will require. Bring your Social Security number and any identification you have, even if it is expired.

Fees, payment methods, and processing times

Kansas driver's license renewal fees depend on the license type and term you choose. A standard four-year license costs $84; an eight-year license costs $120. If you renew by mail, add $5.50 for mail processing. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses.

For mail renewal, pay by check or money order only — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, check, and debit card, but not credit cards. A few offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your documents. In-person renewal is faster — you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new one to arrive.

What happens if you need your license before it arrives

If you renewed by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license is still valid and you can use it. Law enforcement will recognize that you have a renewal in progress. If you were pulled over and your license is expired, tell the officer you have mailed in your renewal and show them your process receipt if you have one.

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Use this temporary license for driving, federal building access, and other identification purposes until your permanent license arrives. The temporary license has the same legal status as a permanent license during its 30-day validity period.

If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of mailing it or within four weeks of your in-person renewal, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to report it. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Kansas resident to hold a Kansas driver's license. If you moved, you need to get a license from your new state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn their requirements and timeline.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid, but you must include a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a certified copy, renew in person and bring the original document; the office will make a copy for you.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. In-person renewal always includes a new photo.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail if you do not have your current license. Go to a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person and ask for a replacement license. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity and residency. The office will issue you a new license on the spot.

Can I renew early, before my license expires?

Yes. Kansas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. The new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. This means renewing early may cost you time on your license, so check whether it makes sense for your situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.