Renew 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. The online option is fastest and costs nothing extra — you fill out the form, pay the fee, and your renewed license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at an office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you will wait in line.
Which route you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. Standard licenses and commercial licenses have different rules. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an office and pass a vision test and written exam.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
- Your license must not be expired for more than five years to renew by mail or online; older licenses require an in-person visit and a written test.
- Renewal fees are $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online renewal).
- If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal; bring proof of residency if renewing in person.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website and select the driver license renewal option. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online — this happens when ready. If you are, you will answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donor status, then choose your license term (four years or eight years) and pay the fee by debit or credit card.
Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved, update your address during the renewal process. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired, as long as you have proof that you submitted a renewal request.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
read the driver license renewal form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website or request one by phone at 785-296-3671. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and any address changes. Sign and date the form, then mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($48 for four years or $96 for eight years) to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your form. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal instead. Like online renewal, you can drive on your current license while your new one is in the mail.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office
Visit any Driver License office in Kansas with your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee on the spot.
In-person renewal is when ready: you walk out with your new license the same day. This is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago, because you will need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your driving record and medical history. Office wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can tell you how busy a particular office is.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must go to a Driver License office in person. You will need to pass a vision screening and answer a written test about Kansas traffic laws and road signs — the same test a new driver takes. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and payment for the renewal fee.
The written test covers basic traffic rules, right-of-way, speed limits, and what different road signs mean. You can study the Kansas Driver's Manual online at the Department of Revenue website before your visit. Most people pass on the first attempt if they review the manual for 30 minutes to an hour.
Address Changes and License Corrections
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online and mail renewal both ask for your current address as part of the form. If you are renewing in person, bring proof that you live at your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A government-issued ID with your new address also works.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you cannot update it during renewal. You must visit an office in person with a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a corrected license at no extra charge.
Renewal Fees and License Terms
Kansas offers two renewal terms: four years for $48 or eight years for $96. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Your new license will expire on the date you choose — four or eight years from the date of renewal. Some people choose the longer term to avoid renewing again soon; others prefer the shorter term if they expect their address or other information to change.
Payment methods depend on your renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is currently suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kansas Department of Revenue before you can renew. Contact the office at 785-296-3671 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.
What if I lost my current license and do not have the number?
Call the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-3671 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will give you your license number. You can then proceed with online or mail renewal. If you prefer, you can visit an office in person without the number.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for the new one?
You can drive on your expired license as long as you have proof that you submitted a renewal request — a confirmation email from online renewal, a receipt from mailing the form, or a receipt from an in-person visit. Keep that proof with you in the car.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
For online and mail renewal, your current photo is used unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. In-person renewal always includes a new photo.
What if my vision has changed since my last license?
If you renew online or by mail, you are not required to have a vision test. However, you must be able to see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them when you drive. If you renew in person, you will have a vision screening as part of the process.