What You Need to Know Before You Start
Kansas allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a local Driver's License office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most standard renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; online renewal is when ready if you meet the requirements.
Your Kansas license is valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, which means you have a wide window to avoid driving on an expired license. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed and your license is not expired.
- Mail renewal requires a completed DL-43 form, your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a Driver's License office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
- The renewal fee in Kansas is $84 for a six-year standard license; military and certain other groups may pay less.
- You do not need to provide proof of residency or citizenship for a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for an extended period.
Online Renewal Through the Kansas DMV Website
Online renewal is available at kdor.ks.gov under the Driver's License section. You will need your current Kansas 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 identity using information from your existing license record.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not yet expired, your address has not changed, and you have no medical or legal restrictions on your license. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person. Once you complete the online transaction and pay the $84 fee, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 to verify the status.
Mail Renewal Using the DL-43 Form
To renew by mail, read or request the DL-43 form (process for Kansas Driver's License) from the Kansas DMV website or pick one up at any Driver's License office. Complete the form in full, sign it, and include your current Kansas license. Do not send your original license unless you are also requesting a replacement for damage or loss.
Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the Kansas DMV at the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the State of Kansas; the renewal fee is $84. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your current license returned to you.
Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your packet. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end, so plan accordingly if your license is expiring soon. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks of mailing, contact the DMV to confirm receipt of your process.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office
Visit any Kansas Driver's License office to renew in person. You will need to bring your current license and payment ($84 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days will work.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. In that case, you may also be asked to retake the written test and vision screening. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it within a few days, depending on the office's equipment.
Wait times at Driver's License offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can find the office nearest you and check current hours on the Kansas DMV website.
What to Do If Your Address Has Changed
If you have moved since your current license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver's License office in person and bring proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
When you renew in person with a new address, the office will update your record and issue a new license with the updated address. The fee remains $84. If you do not have a current proof-of-address document, ask the office what alternatives they accept; some offices will work with you if you can provide multiple documents or explain a recent move.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The standard renewal fee for a six-year Kansas driver's license is $84. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Military members on active duty, certain disabled veterans, and some other groups may be may be able to access for a reduced fee or waiver; ask at your local office or check the DMV website for current programs.
Online and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewals accept check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by check and it bounces, the DMV will contact you to collect payment before your license is processed.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving on an expired Kansas license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, explain that you have a renewal process pending if that is true. Bring your confirmation number or receipt if you renewed online or by mail. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it shows good faith effort to comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and your address has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Kansas Driver's License office during a visit to Kansas, or you can request a mail renewal and have your new license sent to an out-of-state address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your online transaction. Standard mail delivery typically adds 3 to 7 days, so expect your license to arrive 10 to 17 days after you complete the online renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew at a Driver's License office, they will take a new photo as part of the in-person process.
What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current legal name.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Kansas does not automatically suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines, so you can renew. However, if a court has suspended your license for a specific reason, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the Kansas DMV to check your driving record status.