Where to renew your license in Johnson County
In Johnson County, you renew your driver's license at the Kansas Department of Revenue Driver's License Bureau. The county has multiple office locations, so you can visit whichever is most convenient. The main office is in Olathe, but there are also locations in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Shawnee.
You do not need an appointment at most Johnson County locations, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. You can walk in during business hours, complete your renewal, and leave with your new license the same day in most cases.
Before you go, check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for the specific address and hours of the location nearest you. Office hours change seasonally, and some locations may have different schedules than others.
Key Takeaways
- Johnson County has four Driver's License Bureau locations where you can renew in person, with the main office in Olathe.
- You will need your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of your Social Security number to renew.
- Standard renewals take about five to ten minutes once you are called, though the wait in the office can be longer depending on how busy it is.
- You can renew online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website if you meet certain requirements, which is faster than going in person.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks if you renew in person, or within the same timeframe if you renew online.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Kansas driver's license to the renewal appointment. This is your primary form of identification and proves you already hold a valid license.
You also need proof of Kansas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is acceptable, but so is a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your Social Security number.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to pay an additional fee for a name change.
Online renewal versus in-person renewal
Kansas allows you to renew online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired, you are renewing for the first time (not a second consecutive renewal), you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you are between 21 and 69 years old. The online process takes about ten minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person at a Johnson County office. In-person renewal is also required if you want to change your address, update your photo, or add or remove restrictions from your license.
Online renewal is faster overall because you avoid the wait at the office, and your new license is mailed to you within the same timeframe as an in-person renewal. However, you cannot pick up your license the same day—it will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.
License validity and renewal timing
Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so plan ahead if you have travel coming up or need your license for identification purposes.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a Johnson County office, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. Expired licenses cannot be renewed online—you must go in person.
Your renewal notice will be mailed to you about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes your renewal fee and instructions for both online and in-person renewal. Keep it handy when you renew, though it is not required to bring it with you.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard six-year Kansas driver's license is $72. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $36 for a six-year license. These fees explore whether you renew online or in person.
At Johnson County offices, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card. If you are paying by check in person, make it out to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
If you need to add a Real ID endorsement to your license—which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings—there is an additional $25 fee. You will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number to add Real ID.
What happens after you renew
If you renew in person at a Johnson County office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. This allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license will arrive within one to two weeks.
If you renew online, you will not receive a temporary license. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your current license has not expired. If it has expired, you should renew in person instead so you can get the temporary paper license.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a Johnson County office if you prefer. Your old license is no longer valid once the new one is issued.
Special situations and restrictions
If you have medical conditions that affect your driving—such as vision problems, hearing loss, or seizure disorders—you may have restrictions on your license. These restrictions cannot be changed during a routine renewal. You must visit a Johnson County office in person and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a vision or hearing test.
If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Johnson County office and may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your CDL class and the time since your last renewal.
If you have a suspended or revoked license, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Johnson County office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, so do not drive to the office. Bring all the same documents you would need for a standard renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online, your photo from your current license will be used. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. You cannot request to keep your old photo.
What if I move out of Johnson County but stay in Kansas?
You can renew your license at any Kansas Department of Revenue office, not just in Johnson County. If you have moved and want to update your address on your license, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license issued at a Johnson County office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within one to two weeks, but if it does not, you can return to the office to request a replacement.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must be present in person to renew your license at a Johnson County office. You cannot send someone else on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. Online renewal also requires you to complete the process yourself.