How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

Kansas Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Kansas allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Kansas DMV website. The method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most Kansas licenses are valid for six years, and the state sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.

You do not need to take a written test or vision test to renew unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the DMV requests it based on your driving record or age. If you are renewing online or by mail, the process is faster and you can avoid a trip to a DMV office — but not all license types may have access to for these methods.

Key Takeaways

Kansas licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to one year after expiration without retesting.
Online renewal through the Kansas DMV website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
Mail renewal is available for standard driver's licenses that are not expired, but you must include your current license and a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a Kansas DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your address or name, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.
The renewal fee for a standard six-year Kansas driver's license is $24.50, and payment methods vary by renewal method.

Online Renewal Through the Kansas DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your Kansas driver's license if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your address or name, you do not wear corrective lenses that differ from what is on your current license, and you do not hold a commercial driver's license or a license with special restrictions.

To renew online, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and locate the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The online system will verify your information against Kansas records, and if everything matches, you will receive a temporary license number when ready. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal costs $24.50 for a six-year license. There is no additional fee for processing or mailing. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Kansas DMV to confirm your address and check the status of your renewal.

Mail Renewal for Non-Expired Licenses

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your personal information. You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.

To renew by mail, request a renewal process form from the Kansas DMV by phone at 785-296-3671, or read the form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Complete the process with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the Kansas DMV to verify that your process was received and processed.

In-Person Renewal at a Kansas DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if the DMV requests an updated vision test or photograph. In-person renewal also applies if you want to change your gender marker or if you are renewing a license with special restrictions or endorsements.

To renew in person, visit any Kansas DMV office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

At the DMV office, you will complete an process form, have your photograph taken, and pass a vision test. The fee is $24.50 for a six-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office. You will receive a temporary license when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to Do If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year

If your Kansas driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Kansas DMV office, and you will be required to take a written test and a vision test, just as if you were obtaining a license for the first time.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to the DMV office. You will complete a full process, take the written test, pass a vision test, and have a new photograph taken. The fee remains $24.50 for a six-year license. After you pass the tests, you will receive a temporary license and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are concerned about passing the written test, the Kansas DMV website provides a study guide and sample questions. You can review these materials before your appointment to prepare.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you need to change your address or legal name, you must renew in person at a Kansas DMV office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail.

For an address change, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and the renewal fee of $24.50.

The DMV will update your records, take a new photograph, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your new license with the updated information will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Commercial Driver's License Renewal

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) in Kansas must be renewed in person at a Kansas DMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail, regardless of whether it has expired.

Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a medical certificate if your CDL requires one (most do). You will complete an process, take a vision test, and may be required to take a written test depending on the endorsements on your license. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a six-year CDL. After renewal, your temporary license will be issued when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license before it expires?

Yes. Kansas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your circumstances. Renewing early is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

What happens if I drive with an expired Kansas license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas and can result in a traffic citation, fines, and other penalties. If your license has expired, you should renew it as soon as possible. If you have already expired and need to drive, renew in person at a DMV office to receive a temporary license when ready.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

After the Kansas DMV processes your renewal process, your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal applications themselves take 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail them to the DMV. If you do not receive your license within the expected timeframe, contact the Kansas DMV to check the status.

Do I need to take a test to renew my Kansas license?

No, not unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the DMV requests it based on your age or driving record. If you renew online, by mail, or in person before your license expires, you will not need to take a written or vision test.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Kansas DMV and obtain a replacement before you can renew. You can report a lost license by phone at 785-296-3671 or in person at a DMV office. Once you have a replacement, you can then renew using any of the available methods.

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.