How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Kansas

What you need to do to replace your Kansas driver's license

If your Kansas driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement through the Kansas Department of Revenue. You do not have to retake the written or road test — the state will issue you a new license with the same class and restrictions as your current one. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk out the same day if you visit a driver's license office in person.

The main decision is whether to go in person or by mail. In-person replacement costs more but is faster. Mail replacement is cheaper but requires you to be without a license for a couple of weeks. Either way, you will need to bring proof of identity and pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Kansas driver's license at any driver's license office without retaking any tests.
In-person replacement takes one day and costs around $20, while mail replacement takes two to three weeks and costs around $10.
You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of your current Kansas address to replace your license in person.
If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the report number when you explore for a replacement.
Kansas does not charge extra to replace a license that is damaged, faded, or unreadable due to normal wear.

In-person replacement at a Kansas driver's license office

The fastest way to replace your license is to visit a driver's license office in person. Kansas has offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring a valid form of identification (a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work), proof of your current Kansas address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your replacement license on the spot. The fee is typically around $20, though exact amounts can vary slightly.

Mail replacement if you cannot visit an office

If you cannot get to a driver's license office, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Kansas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it along with a copy of your identification and proof of address to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for the replacement fee (usually around $10) made payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Do not send cash. The state will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes two to three weeks. You will not have a valid license during this time, so plan accordingly if you need to drive.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, report the theft to your local police department and get a report number. Bring this report number when you replace your license in person, or include a copy with your mail process. This protects you in case someone tries to use your stolen license.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Replacing a license that is damaged or worn

Kansas does not charge a separate fee or require special paperwork if your license is straightforward faded, cracked, or hard to read from normal wear and tear. You can replace it the same way you would replace a lost license — in person at a driver's license office or by mail. Just bring or mail your old license along with your process so the state knows you are replacing an existing license rather than requesting a duplicate.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can use it to drive until your replacement arrives. If it is so damaged that it is no longer valid (for example, if the photo or license number is illegible), do not drive with it — replace it before you get behind the wheel.

Fees and processing times

In-person replacement typically costs around $20 and is issued the same day. Mail replacement typically costs around $10 and takes two to three weeks. These amounts can vary slightly depending on your license class and whether you are replacing a standard license or a commercial driver's license (CDL). Check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for the exact current fee.

If you need your replacement faster than the standard mail timeline, visiting an office in person is your only option — Kansas does not offer expedited mail service for replacements. If you live far from any driver's license office, factor in travel time when deciding whether in-person replacement is practical for you.

What happens to your old license

If you are replacing your license in person, the staff will take your old license and destroy it. You will leave with only your new license. If you are replacing by mail, include your old license in the envelope you send to the Kansas Department of Revenue — do not keep it, as it will no longer be valid once your replacement is issued.

Your new license will have the same license number, class, and restrictions as your old one. The expiration date will be the same as well, unless your old license was already expired or about to expire. If your license is close to expiring anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than replace it — ask the staff at the driver's license office or contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to see if combining these steps saves you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license by mail?

No. Once you submit an process for a replacement, your old license is no longer valid. If you are replacing by mail, you will not have a valid license until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive during this time, replace your license in person instead.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. read the process form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your ID and proof of address. The state will mail your replacement to the address you provide on the process.

Do I have to replace my license if it is just slightly damaged?

No. If your license is still readable and the photo is clear, you can continue using it. Replace it only when the damage makes it hard to read or when the photo becomes illegible. There is no penalty for waiting, and you will not pay extra when you do replace it.

What if the address on my license is wrong?

If you are replacing your license in person, tell the staff and they will update your address at the same time. If you are replacing by mail, include a note with your process explaining the address change, or visit an office in person to have it corrected when ready.

Can I get a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it 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 to restore it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.