How to Renew Your Kansas Driver's License

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

You can renew your Kansas driver's license three ways: online through the Kansas Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works only if your license is not expired and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions. In-person renewal at an office takes one visit and lets you renew even if your license is expired or suspended for certain reasons.

Your renewal method depends on how much time you have left, whether your address has changed, and whether you need to update your photo. If your license expires within the next 90 days, you can start the online process when ready. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for four years or $36 for eight years.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have no medical holds, and takes roughly two weeks from mailing to receiving your new card.
In-person renewal at a Kansas driver's license office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you have a medical suspension.
You must renew in person if you want to change your photo, address, or name, or if you need to add or remove endorsements like a commercial license.
Kansas licenses expire on your birthday in the month shown on your card, and you can renew up to 90 days before that date.

Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue

The Kansas Department of Revenue website lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical suspensions. Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license page, select "Renew Your License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information have changed since your last renewal.

Online renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit or credit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have a medical suspension, if you want to change your photo, or if you need to update your address or name. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail (if your license is not expired and you have no medical holds).

Mail renewal for licenses that are not expired

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions. You cannot use mail renewal if you want to change your photo or if your address or name has changed. To renew by mail, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 or visit their website to request a renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $24 (four years) or $36 (eight years), and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the Kansas Department of Revenue receives your form. You will receive a confirmation postcard, and your new license arrives separately. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, call the Kansas Department of Revenue to check the status.

In-person renewal at a Kansas driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years, if you have a medical suspension, if you want to change your photo, or if you need to update your address or name. You also need to renew in person if you want to add or remove endorsements, such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement.

Find your nearest Kansas driver's license office on the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations offer appointment scheduling online. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

In-person renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. You pay by cash, check, or card at the office. Your new license is printed on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. Ask at the counter which option applies to your location.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it in person or by mail (if you have no medical suspensions). If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. You cannot drive legally on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal form.

If you were driving with an expired license and were stopped by police, you may face a traffic citation. Some citations can be dismissed if you show proof that you renewed your license before the court date. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about this option.

Medical suspensions and restrictions

If your license has a medical suspension or restriction, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Kansas driver's license office. A medical suspension means the Kansas Department of Revenue has flagged your license because of a medical condition or medication that may affect your ability to drive safely. You may need to provide a medical report from your doctor before your license can be renewed.

If you are unsure whether you have a medical suspension, call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 before you go to the office. They can tell you what documents you need to bring and whether you must see a doctor before renewing.

Changing your photo, address, or name during renewal

You can change your photo during in-person renewal. The office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. You cannot change your photo online or by mail. If you want a new photo without renewing your license, you can request a duplicate license with a new photo at any driver's license office for a fee.

You can change your address online during renewal, but only if your address change is within Kansas. If you are moving out of state or if you want to change your address by mail, you must renew in person. To change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical suspensions. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Kansas driver's license office in person; there is no remote option. Some people who moved out of state keep their Kansas license and renew it by mail or online.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must get a duplicate license instead. Go to a Kansas driver's license office in person with proof of your identity and Social Security number. A duplicate license costs $10 and is printed on the spot or mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does my new Kansas license take to arrive?

Online and mail renewals take about 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is faster: some offices print your license on the spot, while others mail it within 7 to 10 business days. Ask at the counter when you renew in person.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person up to 90 days before your license expires. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old license expired.

What if my renewal is rejected online?

The Kansas Department of Revenue website will tell you why your online renewal was rejected. Common reasons include a medical suspension, an expired license, or a change of address out of state. If you see a rejection message, renew in person at a driver's license office instead.

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.