Book your Kansas renewal appointment online or by phone before your license expires
Kansas allows you to renew your driver's license by appointment at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. You can schedule an appointment through the Kansas DMV website or by calling 1-785-296-3671. Most appointments are available within two to four weeks of when you call or book online, though wait times vary by location and season.
You do not have to make an appointment — you can walk in to any Kansas DMV office during business hours — but appointments typically move faster and reduce wait time. If you choose to walk in, arrive early, as offices close at 5 p.m. and some locations stop accepting new customers before closing time.
Your renewal appointment takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents. Bring your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule your appointment online at the Kansas DMV website or by phone at 1-785-296-3671 at least two weeks before your license expires.
- You must bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Kansas residency to your appointment.
- Standard renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes; Real ID renewal takes longer because you must also provide citizenship and identity documents.
- If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew online if you meet age and license-type requirements, which skips the appointment step entirely.
Documents you need to bring to your appointment
Bring your current Kansas driver's license or ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID card, passport, or military ID instead. Kansas will not issue a new license without proof of your identity.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have any of these, bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your Social Security number.
Bring proof of Kansas residency dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. A government check or tax return also counts. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the utility bill or lease in their name.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID license, also bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.
Real ID versus standard renewal: what you need to know
Kansas offers two types of driver's license: standard and Real ID. A standard license works for driving and state ID purposes. A Real ID license meets federal requirements and works for federal buildings, military bases, and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
If your current license is standard and you want to keep it standard, bring only your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes.
If you want to upgrade to Real ID or your license is already Real ID, you must also bring a certified birth certificate or passport, and proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or visa). Real ID appointments take 30 to 45 minutes because the DMV must verify citizenship and identity documents. The fee for Real ID renewal is the same as standard renewal: $87 for an eight-year license.
If you are not sure which type you have, look at the top right corner of your license. Real ID licenses have a gold star; standard licenses do not.
What happens after your appointment
When you finish your appointment, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Use this to drive while you wait for your plastic card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call 1-785-296-3671 to report it.
Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will expire eight years from the renewal date, not from the old expiration date.
If you need your license sooner than the mail delivery time, you can request an expedited card at your appointment for an additional fee. Ask the DMV staff about expedited options when you arrive.
Online renewal: when you can skip the appointment
Kansas allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you are between 21 and 69 years old, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you are renewing a standard (non-Real ID) license. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or license class.
Online renewal costs $87 and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license by email when ready.
To renew online, go to the Kansas DMV website and select the online renewal option. If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements, you must renew in person at an appointment or by walk-in.
Kansas DMV office locations and hours
Kansas has DMV offices in Topeka (headquarters), Kansas City, Wichita, Salina, and Hays. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Some locations have limited hours on Friday or may close for lunch.
You can renew at any Kansas DMV office, not just the one nearest your home. If one office has a long wait for appointments, try another location. Call 1-785-296-3671 to find the office closest to you and to ask about current wait times.
The Kansas DMV website lists all office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also schedule your appointment directly on the website without calling.
Common mistakes to avoid at your appointment
Do not bring expired documents. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill or lease is older than 60 days, bring a recent bank statement or government check instead.
Do not assume your current address is on file. If you moved and have not updated your address with the DMV, bring proof of your new address. The DMV will not update your address without a document showing where you live now.
Do not forget your Social Security number proof. The DMV will not renew your license without it. A Social Security card is easiest, but a W-2, 1099, or other document with your number works.
Do not wait until your license expires. Renewing before expiration is faster and simpler. If your license has already expired, you may have to take a vision test or written exam, which adds time to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if it has already expired?
Yes, but the process takes longer. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must take a written knowledge test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal steps. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus time for the tests.
What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?
You cannot renew without it. Contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. This can take two to four weeks. If you need to drive before then, ask the DMV whether you can bring a letter from your employer or bank showing your Social Security number.
How long does a Kansas driver's license renewal take?
Standard renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes at your appointment. Real ID renewal takes 30 to 45 minutes. Your new plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary paper license the DMV gives you when ready after your appointment.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Kansas does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office, either by appointment or walk-in, or online if you meet the requirements for online renewal.
What if my name or address changed since my last license?
Bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or lease showing your new address. The DMV will update your name and address during your appointment at no extra cost.