Renewing your Kansas license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Kansas driver's license through three routes: online at the Kansas Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is fastest and available if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or visit a local office — both take longer but work for more situations.

Your renewal window opens 90 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait until the last minute, and renewing early avoids the rush. Kansas licenses are valid for six years, so you will renew less often than in many states.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
  • You can renew by mail by downloading the DL-43 form from the Kansas Department of Revenue, signing it, and mailing it with your current license and the renewal fee.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License office requires your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and the renewal fee, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can begin the renewal process 90 days before your license expires.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and road test.

Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You must have a Kansas license that expired less than one year ago, no medical restrictions on your license, and a valid email address. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Once approved, you can print a temporary license when ready and use it while you wait for your new card in the mail. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead. This happens most often if your license has medical restrictions or if it expired more than one year ago.

Renewing by mail with the DL-43 form

Mail renewal works for most situations and requires no office visit. read the DL-43 process for Renewal of Driver's License from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, fill it out completely, and sign it. You must include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Mail the completed form, your license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your packet. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. During this time, your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive legally.

Keep a copy of your completed form for your records. If your address has changed, update it on the form before you mail it so your new license arrives at the correct location.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office

Visiting a Driver License office is the most direct route and gives you your new license fastest. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Kansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee in cash or card. Some offices accept checks as well.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Find your nearest Driver License office on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Many offices operate by appointment, so check ahead before you go. Some offices have walk-in hours as well, but arriving early gives you a shorter wait.

What happens if your license expired more than one year ago

If your Kansas license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires a written knowledge test and a road test. This is a longer process than renewal and costs more.

You can take the written test at any Driver License office. Study materials are available on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Once you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an examiner. After you pass the road test, you receive your new license.

If your license expired recently but you are not sure whether it has been more than one year, check the expiration date on your card or contact your local Driver License office to confirm which path you need to take.

Renewal fees and what to bring

Kansas renewal fees vary based on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard six-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue website for the exact current fee, as amounts can change.

For any renewal method, have your current license ready. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of Kansas residency as well. If you are renewing by mail, include your current license with your process. Online renewal requires only your license number and Social Security number.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you have moved or changed your name since your last license, you can update this information during renewal. For online renewal, the system will prompt you to confirm or change your address. For mail renewal, write your new address on the DL-43 form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address or name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) along with your other documents.

Updating your address during renewal ensures your new license arrives at the correct location. If you change your address after you renew, you can update it separately through the Kansas Department of Revenue website or by visiting an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license if I have a medical restriction?

No, you cannot renew online if you have a medical restriction. You must renew in person or by mail so the office can review your medical status. Bring any required medical documentation to an office or include it with your mail process.

What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?

Contact your local Driver License office right away. You can request a replacement card and pay a replacement fee. If you renewed online or in person, you have a temporary paper license you can use until your permanent card arrives.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary gives you time to receive it. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail from anywhere. read the DL-43 form, complete it, and mail it with your current license and payment to the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can also renew online if you meet the other requirements, regardless of where you are located.

What if my name or address on my license is wrong?

You can correct this information during renewal. For in-person renewal, bring proof of the correct name or address. For mail renewal, write the correct information on the DL-43 form and include supporting documents. For online renewal, update your information in the system before you complete the transaction.