Renew Your Kansas License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Kansas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid mailing address on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or name changes pending. If you may have access to, the online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue takes about 10 minutes and costs $20. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you can renew by mail or in person at a Kansas driver's license office. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if your license is not expired by more than one year. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your license quickly or have complications like a medical condition change or address update.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website costs $20 and works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
- In-person renewal at a Kansas driver's license office is the fastest option and handles medical updates, address changes, and other complications on the spot.
- Your new license arrives by mail after any renewal method; you cannot pick it up in person at the office.
- Kansas licenses are valid for six years, so plan ahead rather than waiting until expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online Renewal Through the Kansas Department of Revenue Website
Start at the Kansas Department of Revenue's online renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system checks whether you meet the requirements — no medical restrictions, no name changes, license expired less than one year ago, and a valid mailing address on file.
If the system approves you, you will pay $20 by credit or debit card. Kansas does not accept checks or cash online. After payment, you are done; your new license is printed and mailed to the address on your current license. Do not move before your new license arrives, or it may be returned to the Kansas Department of Revenue as undeliverable.
If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. The online system cannot override restrictions or handle name changes, so do not try to work around the denial.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and How Long It Takes
Request the mail renewal process form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, or call 785-296-3671 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes since your last renewal. Sign and date the form — an unsigned process will be returned to you.
Mail your completed process, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $20 to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66626. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want your old license back; otherwise, the department will destroy it.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail at the address you listed on the process. If you move during this time, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue when ready with your new address, or your license may be returned as undeliverable.
In-Person Renewal at a Kansas Driver's License Office
Find your nearest Kansas driver's license office on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's page before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $20 by cash, check, or card. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring the proof of your new address. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor.
The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot take it with you that day, so plan accordingly if you need your license for travel or identification soon.
When You Cannot Renew Online or by Mail
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a medical restriction or condition that needs updating, if your name has changed since your last renewal, or if you need to change your address and do not have proof of the new address yet. You also cannot renew online or by mail if you have an outstanding traffic ticket, child support obligation, or other hold on your driving record.
If you are unsure whether you have a hold, call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 before you go to the office. They can tell you what documents you need and whether an appointment is required at your local office.
What Happens If Your License Expires While You Are Waiting
Kansas law allows you to drive on an expired license for up to 60 days after it expires if you have a renewal process pending with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Keep a copy of your online renewal confirmation, mail receipt, or in-person renewal receipt with you while you drive. If you are stopped by police, show them the receipt and your expired license.
After 60 days, you cannot legally drive, even if your renewal is still processing. If your renewal is delayed beyond 60 days, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue when ready. Processing delays are rare, but if one happens, the department may issue a temporary driving permit so you can continue driving legally while your license is being printed.
Kansas License Validity and Renewal Timing
A Kansas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day. Renewing early means your new license arrives well before your old one expires, and you avoid the risk of driving with an expired license.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal rules are different and stricter. CDL holders must renew in person and may have additional medical certification requirements. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for CDL-specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a valid Kansas address on file to renew. If you have moved out of Kansas permanently, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you moved temporarily but still live in Kansas, update your address with the Kansas Department of Revenue before renewing.
What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it in?
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and explain that your license is lost. They may allow you to renew without sending in the physical license, or they may require you to renew in person. Do not attempt mail renewal without your current license unless the department tells you it is okay.
How much does a Kansas driver's license renewal cost?
Renewal costs $20, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the six-year validity period. If you renew early, you still pay $20; the new license's expiration date is six years from the date it is issued, not from your old license's expiration date.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Renewal is not possible until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
What if my new license arrives with the wrong information on it?
Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue when ready with your new license and proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for a name or date of birth error). They will issue a corrected license at no additional cost. Do not attempt to use a license with incorrect information.