How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

Kansas Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process

Kansas allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any Kansas DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Kansas DMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most Kansas drivers renew before their license expires, but you can also renew up to one year after expiration.

Your Kansas license is valid for six years from the date of issue. The expiration date appears on the front of your card. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail approximately 60 days before your license expires, but this notice is a reminder only — it does not extend your important date or count as proof of renewal.

Key Takeaways

Kansas offers online renewal through the DMV website for drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not need to change their address, name, or other personal information.
Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you meet specific requirements; you will need to submit your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee.
In-person renewal at a Kansas DMV office is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your license class or endorsements.
The renewal fee for a standard six-year license is $87, payable by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card depending on your renewal method.
You can renew your license up to one year after it expires, but driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

Online Renewal Through the Kansas DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal details. You will visit the Kansas DMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, review your current information, and pay the $87 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes.

After you complete the online renewal, the Kansas DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive legally while you wait for the new one to arrive. Online renewal does not require you to visit a DMV office or submit any documents by mail.

You cannot use online renewal if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you need to update your name, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail Renewal for Valid Licenses

If your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or endorsements, you can renew by mail. You will need to complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License (form DL-43), sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $87 to the Kansas DMV.

The mailing address for Kansas DMV renewals is:

Kansas Department of Revenue Driver's License Bureau PO Box 12879 Topeka, KS 66612-2879

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time. Do not mail your original license until you are certain you have completed the form correctly and included the correct fee; if there is an error, the DMV may return your process and delay your renewal.

You can read form DL-43 from the Kansas DMV website or request it by phone at 785-296-3671. The form asks for your current license number, date of birth, and signature. You do not need to include a new photo for mail renewal — the DMV will use the photo from your current license.

In-Person Renewal at a Kansas DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you want to add or remove endorsements, or if you prefer not to use online or mail renewal. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Bring the following documents to the DMV office:

Your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than one year since expiration)
Proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number
Payment for the renewal fee ($87 in cash, check, money order, or card)

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement, you may need to pass a written test or provide proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course, depending on your age and driving history.

You will be asked to take a new photo at the DMV office. You will also be given a vision test. If you fail the vision test or if your medical condition has changed since your last renewal, the DMV may require you to provide a medical report from your doctor before issuing a new license.

Finding a Kansas DMV Office and Making an Appointment

Kansas has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Kansas DMV website and using the office locator tool, or by calling 785-296-3671. Some offices require appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times (early morning, lunch hour, and late afternoon), wait times can be 30 minutes or longer.

If your local DMV office offers appointments, you can book one online through the Kansas DMV website or by phone. Making an appointment does not may provide that you will be seen at exactly that time, but it usually reduces your wait. If you do not have an appointment, arrive early in the day or on a weekday morning to minimize your wait time.

Some Kansas DMV offices have extended hours on certain evenings or Saturdays. Check the office locator on the Kansas DMV website to see the hours for your location. A few offices also offer limited services through third-party vendors (such as county clerks), but not all services are available at these locations.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The standard renewal fee for a six-year Kansas driver's license is $87. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Kansas does not offer shorter renewal periods (such as a four-year license) at a reduced cost.

Payment methods vary by renewal type. For online renewal, you must use a credit or debit card. For mail renewal, you can pay by check or money order made out to the Kansas Department of Revenue. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. The DMV does not accept payment plans or installments; the full fee is due at the time of renewal.

If you are a Kansas resident over age 65, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee. Contact your local DMV office or call 785-296-3671 to ask about senior discounts.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using the same process as a non-expired renewal. Bring your expired license to the DMV office, along with the other required documents. You will pay the standard $87 renewal fee; there is no additional penalty fee for renewing a license that is slightly past its expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This process is more involved and requires a written test, vision test, and new photo. Contact the Kansas DMV for details about reapplying after a long lapse.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kansas, even if you have already submitted a renewal process or made an appointment at the DMV. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. To avoid this, renew your license before the expiration date, or if it has already expired, renew it as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license if I have moved out of state?

No. Kansas driver's licenses are only issued to Kansas residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can contact the Kansas DMV to surrender your Kansas license, but you are not required to do so.

What happens if I renew my license but do not receive it in the mail?

Contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 with your driver's license number and date of birth. The DMV can check the status of your renewal and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail. If your license was mailed more than 10 business days ago and you have not received it, the DMV may send a replacement at no additional cost.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes. Kansas does not suspend or deny license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or if your license has been suspended for a separate reason (such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support), the DMV will not renew your license until the suspension is lifted.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your card. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before the new expiration date.

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.