Where to renew your license in Olathe
In Olathe, you renew your driver's license at the Kansas Department of Revenue Driver's License office, located at 108 W. Santa Fe Street, Olathe, KS 66061. This is the only place in the city where you can complete an in-person renewal. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — but if you need a new photo or have certain restrictions on your license, you must go in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no appointment system; you walk in and wait your turn. Wait times vary by day and time of day, but mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoon. The office does not take lunch breaks, so you can come in anytime during those hours.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at 108 W. Santa Fe Street in Olathe, by mail, or online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website — the method depends on whether you need a new photo and how soon you need your license.
- Kansas driver's licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for six years; you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes and requires a current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Mail and online renewals cost less than in-person renewal and do not require a new photo, but they take longer and are not available if your license is suspended or if you have certain medical conditions.
- If you renew online or by mail, your temporary license is valid when ready, but your physical card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
What documents you need to bring in person
For an in-person renewal at the Olathe office, bring a current form of ID — your expiring driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. You also need proof of your current address. Kansas accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address is enough; it does not have to be an official document.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The office will verify it with the Social Security Administration, so have it ready. If you have changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need to pass a medical examination and bring the completed medical certificate form (MCSA-5875) with you. The Olathe office does not perform the exam; you must have it done by a certified medical examiner beforehand.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
If your license is not suspended, you do not have medical restrictions, and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and you get a temporary digital license when ready that you can use on your phone. Your physical card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Mail renewal works the same way: you fill out the renewal form (DL-43), include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the time the office receives your envelope — so send it well before your license expires. You cannot use a temporary license for mail renewal the way you can with online renewal.
Both online and mail renewal are not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have medical conditions that require periodic review; or if you are renewing a commercial license. In those cases, you must renew in person at the Olathe office.
How long your renewed license is valid
A Kansas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you renew in 2024, your new license will expire on your birthday in 2030.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their birthday or to get a new photo. If you renew early, your new expiration date is still six years from the date of renewal, not six years from the old expiration date.
The cost of renewal in Olathe
The cost depends on how you renew. In-person renewal at the Olathe office costs $20 for a standard driver's license. Online renewal costs $16.50. Mail renewal also costs $16.50. These prices are set by the state and do not vary by location.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the cost is higher — $37.50 in person, $33.50 online or by mail. Payment methods vary by renewal type: in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card; online renewal accepts card only; mail renewal requires a check or money order.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to the Olathe office in person and bring all the documents listed above. The renewal process is the same, but you will need to show that your license has expired and provide a reason if the expiration was more than a few years ago.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but that does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I just moved to Olathe?
Yes, as long as you have updated your address with the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at the Olathe office before you renew. If you renew online without updating your address first, your new license will still show your old address, and you will have to correct it later.
What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot bring it to the office?
You do not need to bring your Social Security card. You only need to know your Social Security number and tell it to the staff member. They will verify it with the Social Security Administration during your appointment. If you do not know your number, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before you renew.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your appointment that is valid for 30 days. Your physical card arrives by mail in about two weeks. The temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card during those 30 days, so you can drive and use it for identification right away.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspension on my record?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license by any method. You must first contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to lift the suspension. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew in person at the Olathe office.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Olathe office?
No. The Olathe office operates on a walk-in basis with no appointment system. You can arrive anytime during business hours and wait your turn. If you want to avoid a long wait, try coming on a weekday morning or early afternoon rather than late afternoon.