How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

Renewing your Kansas driver's license in person or by mail

Kansas lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a county clerk's office or by mail, depending on your situation. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks total but requires no trip to an office — you send documents to Topeka, the state processes them, and your new license arrives by post.

You cannot renew online in Kansas, even if your license is still valid. You also cannot renew at the DMV office in your county — Kansas does not have a DMV. All renewals go through your county clerk's office (in-person) or the Kansas Department of Revenue mail processing center (by mail).

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at your county clerk's office takes about 30 minutes and you get a temporary license when ready; by mail takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit.
You need your current license, proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment by cash, check, or card.
Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years; if it is, you must renew in person.
The renewal fee is $48 for an eight-year license or $24 for a four-year license; military members and certain seniors pay less.
If you are renewing before your license expires, the new one is valid for eight years from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew.

Renewing in person at your county clerk's office

Walk into your county clerk's office during business hours with your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and payment. The clerk will take a new photo, verify your information, and print a temporary license on the spot. You can drive on that temporary license for 30 days while the state mails your permanent license, which usually arrives within two weeks.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current Kansas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document, voter registration card) showing your new address.

Bring payment in cash, by check, or by card — the clerk will tell you which methods they accept. The fee is $48 for an eight-year license. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $24 for a four-year license. If you are active military or a veteran, ask the clerk about reduced fees; Kansas offers discounts but the amount varies by county.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the DL 43 form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or pick one up at your county clerk's office. Fill in your name, address, and license number. Attach a copy of your current license (front and back), proof of Kansas residency dated within 60 days, and a check or money order for $48 (or $24 if you are 65 or older). Do not send cash.

Mail the packet to: Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. The state will process your renewal in two to three weeks and mail your new license to the address on your process. You cannot drive on a temporary license during this time, so only use mail renewal if your current license is still valid and you do not need to drive before the new one arrives.

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person to your county clerk's office. The clerk will determine whether you can renew or whether you need to take the written and driving tests again.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using either method. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at your county clerk's office, and the clerk may require you to pass the written test and driving test again.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or both. Once your license is restored, you can renew it in person or by mail.

Renewing before your current license expires

You can renew your license up to 12 months before it expires. When you do, your new license is valid for eight years from your current expiration date — not from the day you renew. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew it in January 2025, your new license will expire on March 15, 2033, not January 2033.

This rule applies whether you renew in person or by mail. It also means you do not lose time by renewing early — you straightforward extend your current license's validity rather than starting a new eight-year period.

What to do if you need a new photo or address change

If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at your county clerk's office. The clerk will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you renew by mail, your current photo stays on your license.

If you have moved to a new Kansas address since your license was issued, you can update your address by mail using the same DL 43 form and mailing process described above. Write "Address Change Only" at the top of the form. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change, only for a renewal. If you want both a new photo and an address change, you must renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended for unpaid traffic tickets?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying the tickets or arranging a payment plan with the court. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to confirm the suspension is lifted, then you can renew in person or by mail.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Kansas license?

You cannot renew a Kansas license if you no longer live in Kansas. You must get a license from your new state. If you are moving back to Kansas, you can renew your old Kansas license once you have proof of your new Kansas address.

How long does a temporary license last?

A temporary license issued at your county clerk's office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license usually arrives within two weeks, but if it does not, you can return to the clerk's office to get another temporary license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Kansas county clerk's offices do not require appointments for license renewal, but some do. Call your county clerk's office before you go to find out their policy and their hours.

What if my name changed since my license was issued?

Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Kansas residency, and payment. The clerk will issue a new license with your updated name. You must renew in person — you cannot change your name by mail.

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.