Where to Renew Your License in Johnson County

Johnson County has one Driver Services office located in Olathe, Kansas, at 100 E. Santa Fe Street. This is the only full-service location in the county where you can renew in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your process. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at the Olathe office is faster — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Online renewal is not available in Kansas. You must renew either in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Johnson County Driver Services office in Olathe is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is the only location in the county that handles renewals.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is current and not suspended, but the process takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal requires a valid form of identification, proof of Kansas residency, and the renewal fee of $97 for an eight-year license.
  • Your license must be renewed before the expiration date on your card, or you will face a late fee and may need to retake the written test.
  • If you renew in person, bring your current license and one document proving your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Documents You Need to Bring

For in-person renewal at the Olathe office, bring your current Kansas driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as proof of address.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have lost your current license, bring a police report of the loss and your proof of address.

For mail renewal, you do not need to provide proof of address. Instead, complete the DL 44 form (process for Kansas Driver's License or Identification Card) and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. The form is available on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $97 in Kansas. If you are age 65 or older, the fee is $42 for a four-year license. Payment must be made at the time of renewal — cash, debit card, and credit card are accepted at the Olathe office. For mail renewal, include a check or money order payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

If you renew after your license has expired, you will pay an additional late fee of $25. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test.

What Happens During In-Person Renewal

When you arrive at the Olathe Driver Services office, check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary; the office is typically less busy on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Bring all required documents and your fee.

A staff member will review your documents, take a new photograph, and verify your information against the Kansas driving record system. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If the office finds a problem with your record — such as an unpaid traffic fine, a suspension, or a hold from another state — they will tell you before processing your renewal. You may need to resolve the issue before you can renew.

Mail Renewal Step-by-Step

To renew by mail, first read or request the DL 44 form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Complete the form in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided.

Place your current driver's license, the completed DL 44 form, and a check or money order for $97 in an envelope. Mail the envelope to: Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver Control Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66626.

The Department will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address on the DL 44 form before mailing. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Department receives your envelope.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from the date your old license was set to expire.

If you are close to your expiration date and plan to travel, renew in person at the Olathe office rather than by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and can use it for identification while your permanent card is in the mail.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Kansas driving record shows a suspension or revocation, you cannot renew your license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue Driver Control Bureau at 785-296-3671 to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online in Kansas?

No. Kansas does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at the Johnson County Driver Services office in Olathe or by mail to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

What if I move out of Johnson County but stay in Kansas?

You can still renew at the Olathe office, or you can renew by mail. If you move to a different county, you do not need to transfer your license — you can renew it as-is. Update your address on the renewal form or at the office.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license issued at the Olathe office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671.

What if I have an out-of-state address on my current license?

You must renew in person at the Olathe office and bring proof of your current Kansas address. You cannot renew by mail if your license shows an out-of-state address. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

Can I renew if my license expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person at the Olathe office and may be required to retake the written knowledge test. Bring your expired license and proof of address.