What You Need to Know Before You Start
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Most people can complete a mail or online renewal in under 10 minutes, though processing takes several weeks.
Your Kansas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a driver's license office — mail and online options are not available once your license lapses.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid; expired licenses require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the state, and processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has expired or if you need a Real ID card.
- A standard renewal costs $87 for a six-year license; Real ID cards cost $15 more.
Renewing Online Through the Kansas Department of Revenue
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in one session. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within two to three weeks. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed, if you want to update your name, or if you need a Real ID card. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, or call your local driver's license office and ask them to mail you the form. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license.
Mail the form and your license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $87 (or $102 if you want a Real ID card). Do not send cash. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the office receives your envelope.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not always available. Call your local driver's license office to ask whether expedited service is currently offered.
Renewing in Person at a Driver's License Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want a Real ID card. Find your nearest driver's license office on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Most offices are located in county courthouses or separate state buildings.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Arrive during office hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by location. Check the website for your specific office's hours before you go. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed within two to three weeks.
Real ID Cards and What They Mean for Your Renewal
A Real ID card is a driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID card to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Kansas driver's license will no longer be accepted for these purposes after that date.
If you renew online or by mail and do not request a Real ID card, you will receive a standard license. To get a Real ID card, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The office will verify your identity using documents you bring, and the card will cost $102 instead of $87.
If you already have a Real ID card, you do not need to do anything special during renewal — your new card will automatically be Real ID-compliant. You can check whether your current license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star in the upper right corner of the card.
What Happens if Your License Has Already Expired
Once your license expires, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
An expired license does not prevent you from renewing — the office will process your renewal the same way they would for a valid license. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, ask the office for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I have moved out of state?
If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Kansas license. However, if you still live in Kansas but have a mailing address outside the state, you can renew by mail or in person using your Kansas address.
How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?
Standard processing takes two to three weeks for online renewals and four to six weeks for mail renewals. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee, but you must call your local driver's license office to ask whether it is currently offered in your area.
What if I lost my current license and cannot send it with my mail renewal?
Call your local driver's license office and explain that your license is lost. They may allow you to renew by mail without sending the original license, or they may require you to renew in person. The office will tell you which option applies to your situation.
Do I need a Real ID card if I only drive in Kansas?
If you only drive within Kansas and never board domestic flights or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID card. A standard driver's license is sufficient for driving. However, if you think you might need to fly or enter a federal building in the future, getting a Real ID card during your renewal is simpler than upgrading later.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed since my last renewal?
If your name has changed, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes.