Renewing your Kansas driver's license in person or by mail
You can renew your Kansas driver's license either in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks but requires no office visit.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to change information, and whether you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard one. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas lets you renew by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than 5 years, but in-person renewal is required if it has been expired longer.
- You need your current license, proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a check or money order for the renewal fee, which varies by license type and duration.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a birth certificate or passport, even at renewal.
- If you renew by mail, send your documents to the Kansas Department of Revenue address listed on the renewal notice; if you renew in person, visit any Kansas DMV office during business hours.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal, or you receive a temporary license when ready at an office visit.
When you can renew by mail versus in person
Mail renewal is available only if your current Kansas driver's license is still valid or expired no more than 5 years ago. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license, or if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you are changing your name or address, if you need to upgrade to a Real ID license, or if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation. You must also renew in person if you are over 70 years old, because Kansas requires an in-person vision test for drivers in that age group.
If you are unsure whether you can renew by mail, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or check the renewal notice that was mailed to you—it will state which method applies to your situation.
Documents you need for mail renewal
For mail renewal, you need your current Kansas driver's license, a completed renewal form (Form DL-43, which comes with your renewal notice), and payment for the renewal fee. The fee depends on your license type and how long you want it valid: a standard 4-year license costs $20, a 6-year license costs $30, and a Real ID license costs $35 for 4 years or $52.50 for 6 years.
You also need proof that you still live in Kansas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Mail your renewal packet to the address shown on your renewal notice. Include a check or money order made out to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Do not send cash. Your new license will arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks.
Documents and steps for in-person renewal
Bring your current Kansas driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing at the office.
If you are renewing a standard license and your information has not changed, the process is straightforward: the office staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. If you are upgrading to a Real ID license, you must also bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
At the office, you will be asked to sign a new license process, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 2 to 3 weeks.
Real ID requirements at renewal
If your current Kansas license is a standard driver's license and you want to renew it as a Real ID-compliant license, you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document (EAD).
You must renew in person to upgrade to Real ID. Bring the citizenship document along with your current license and proof of residency. The Real ID license costs more than a standard license: $35 for 4 years or $52.50 for 6 years, compared to $20 for a standard 4-year license.
If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, you can renew it by mail or in person without providing citizenship documents again, as long as your license is not expired more than 5 years.
Kansas DMV office locations and hours
Kansas has multiple Department of Revenue offices where you can renew in person. The main office is in Topeka at 915 S.W. Harrison Street, but there are also regional offices in Wichita, Kansas City, Salina, and other cities. Hours vary by location but are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings.
You can find the office nearest you and confirm its hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by calling 785-296-3671. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment. During busy times, wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour, so arriving early in the day or mid-week may be faster.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Kansas driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it valid. A standard 4-year license costs $20, a 6-year license costs $30. A Real ID-compliant license costs $35 for 4 years or $52.50 for 6 years. These fees are set by Kansas law and do not vary by office or renewal method.
For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made out to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the Kansas Department of Revenue will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Kansas driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or check your status online through the Kansas DMV website. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue—such as paying fines, completing a required course, or satisfying a court order—before you can renew. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew by mail or in person using the normal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license online?
No, Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online if you want to avoid an office visit and your license is not expired more than 5 years.
What happens if I let my license expire?
If your license has been expired less than 5 years, you can renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. If it has been expired more than 5 years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written driving test. Driving with an expired license is illegal.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes, a new photo is required at every renewal. For mail renewal, the Kansas Department of Revenue uses your previous photo on file unless you request a new one. For in-person renewal, a new photo is taken automatically at the office.
How long is a Kansas driver's license valid?
Kansas driver's licenses are valid for either 4 or 6 years, depending on which term you choose at renewal. You can select the length when you renew, and the fee is higher for the 6-year option. Licenses for drivers over 70 are valid for 4 years only.
What if I changed my name since my last renewal?
If you changed your name, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed.