Kansas Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Kansas allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed the same day if you renew online or visit in person.
Your Kansas license is valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — mail and online renewal are not available for expired licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas offers three renewal methods: mail, online through the Kansas DMV website, and in-person at a Driver Examination office.
- You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
- Mail renewal costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days; online renewal costs $20 and is when ready; in-person renewal costs $20 and is processed the same day.
- You will need your current Kansas license, proof of Kansas residency, and a completed DL 43 form for mail renewal.
- If you wear corrective lenses, you must have your vision tested in person or submit a vision report from an eye care provider.
Online Renewal Through the Kansas DMV Website
The fastest way to renew is through the official Kansas Department of Revenue website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about any changes to your information, and pay the $20 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license is issued when ready, and you can print a temporary license to use while your physical card is mailed to you.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your address, and you do not wear corrective lenses that require an updated vision test. If any of these conditions explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete the online transaction, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license you print is valid for 30 days and can be used for identification and driving during that period.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline
To renew by mail, complete the DL 43 form (process for Kansas Driver's License or Identification Card), include your current Kansas license, and mail both to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Bureau, P.O. Box 12059, Topeka, KS 66612-2059. The $20 renewal fee can be paid by check or money order made payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the department receives your packet. Do not mail your renewal more than one year before your license expires, as the department will return it and ask you to resubmit closer to your expiration date. Include a copy of proof of Kansas residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days works for this purpose.
If you wear corrective lenses, you must either have your vision tested in person at a Driver Examination office or submit a vision report completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Mail the vision report with your renewal packet if you choose that route.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Examination Office
You can renew in person at any Kansas Driver Examination office. Bring your current license, proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or property tax statement from the last 60 days), and the $20 renewal fee in cash, check, or card. If you wear corrective lenses, you will have your vision tested on site at no additional cost.
In-person renewal is processed the same day. Your temporary license is issued when ready, and your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Find the Driver Examination office nearest you 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; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office locator to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule.
Address Changes and License Corrections
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new Kansas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you need to correct your name, date of birth, or other personal information on your license, you must renew in person and bring supporting documents. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is required to change your name. A birth certificate is required to correct your date of birth. The Driver Examination office will tell you what documents are needed when you arrive.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Driver Examination office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Kansas residency, medical certification (MCSA-5871 form) if your CDL is for hazardous materials or passenger transport, and the $20 renewal fee.
CDL renewal includes a written test on Kansas traffic laws and commercial driving rules. You will also have your vision tested. The entire process takes 30 minutes to one hour. Schedule an appointment in advance, as CDL testing slots fill quickly, especially near renewal important date.
What Happens If Your License Expires
If your Kansas license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Examination office in person with your expired license, proof of Kansas residency, and the $20 renewal fee. You will have your vision tested and may be asked to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?
No. Kansas requires proof of Kansas residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Kansas resident, you can renew by mail using the address where you receive mail in Kansas.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. Visit a Driver Examination office in person with proof of Kansas residency and the $20 fee. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
No. Mail and online renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken unless you request to keep your current photo. You can ask the office staff about the photo policy when you arrive.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your physical license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to report the delay.
What if my vision has changed since my last renewal?
If you wear corrective lenses, you must have your vision tested during renewal. If you renew in person, the test is done on site. If you renew by mail, you can submit a vision report from an eye care provider instead of visiting an office in person.