Kansas Driver License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Kansas driver licenses expire every six years for most adults. You can renew in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Kansas DMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, whether you need to update your address or other information, and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license.
The state charges a flat renewal fee of $87 for a six-year license, regardless of which method you use. If you renew before your current license expires, you can do it online or by mail in most cases. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Kansas DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas licenses expire every six years, and you can check your expiration date on the front of your card or online through the Kansas DMV portal.
- Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the past four years, and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas DMV office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or legal name.
- The renewal fee is $87 for a six-year license, and you must bring proof of identity and residency if you renew in person.
Online Renewal Through the Kansas DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is not yet expired. You can renew online at the official Kansas Department of Revenue website. The process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew online, you will need your current Kansas driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You cannot change your address, name, or photo online. If any of those details need updating, you must renew in person at a Kansas DMV office.
After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Kansas DMV to verify your mailing address.
Mail Renewal for Unchanged Information
Mail renewal is available only under specific conditions. Your license must not be expired, you must not have changed your address in the past four years, and you must not need a new photo. If all three conditions are met, you can request a renewal form from the Kansas DMV website or call 785-296-3671.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for $87 payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Kansas DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file.
Do not send cash through the mail. If your check is lost or the form is incomplete, the Kansas DMV will contact you. Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records.
In-Person Renewal at a Kansas DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you are changing your legal name. Visit any Kansas DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. Check the Kansas DMV website for your nearest office location and hours.
Bring your current Kansas driver license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license has expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a vision test.
The renewal process at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your address and driving record, and pay the $87 fee by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new card is printed and mailed to you.
Documents and Fees Required for In-Person Renewal
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, military ID | Must be original or certified copy |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill | Must be dated within the past 60 days and show your current address |
| Name Change Document | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order | Required only if you are changing your legal name |
| Renewal Fee | $87 | Cash, check, or debit/credit card accepted |
REAL ID Compliance and Kansas Licenses
Kansas driver licenses issued after October 1, 2020, are REAL ID-compliant by default. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license does not have the gold star and you want one, you must renew in person and bring the documents listed above.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant if your current license is compliant. You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee. If you are unsure whether your license is REAL ID-compliant, look for the gold star or contact the Kansas DMV.
Timeline and What to Expect After Renewal
The timeline depends on your renewal method. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Kansas DMV receives your form. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Kansas DMV. If you moved recently and updated your address during renewal, the new license goes to your new address. If you did not update your address and your license is being mailed to an old address, contact the Kansas DMV when ready with your current address so they can intercept the mail.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a Kansas DMV office. You can use the temporary paper license for driving until your new card arrives. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, call the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 to check the status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and doing so early keeps your options open—you can renew online or by mail instead of having to go in person. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements like a vision test.
Do not assume your address is current. If you moved and did not update your address with the Kansas DMV, your new license will be mailed to your old address. Update your address before you renew, or do it during the renewal process in person.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only. Do not include your Social Security number on any mailed documents unless the form specifically asks for it.
Do not forget to bring proof of address if you renew in person. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days is required. A driver license alone is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?
Yes, if your license is not expired, you can renew by mail or online. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Kansas DMV office or at a Kansas DMV office in another state if one is available. Contact the Kansas DMV for options if you cannot travel to Kansas.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Kansas DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the Kansas DMV office. Your new plastic card should arrive by mail before that expires. If it does not, contact the Kansas DMV to check the status.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kansas DMV before you can renew. Contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 to find out what steps are required to clear your record.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go in person to a Kansas DMV office and report the loss. You will receive a replacement license, not a renewal, and the fee may differ. Bring proof of identity and address as you would for any in-person transaction.