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 if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local driver's license office. The online method is fastest and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than one year. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two weeks; in-person renewal at an office takes one visit and a few minutes.
Your renewal timeline depends on your license type and when it was issued. Standard Kansas licenses are valid for six years. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date, which gives you time to plan without rushing.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kansas Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and works for most drivers whose licenses expired less than one year ago.
- You will need your current Kansas license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not had violations or address changes in the past two years, though processing takes about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office requires your current license, proof of Kansas residency, and payment, and you can usually complete it the same day.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on your age.
Renewing Online Through the Kansas Department of Revenue
The Kansas Department of Revenue operates the online renewal system at its official website. You can renew online if your license is not expired or expired less than one year ago, and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or violations that require in-person verification.
To renew online, you will need your current Kansas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card for the renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and vision status. Once you submit your information and payment, you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your record requires in-person review—usually because of an address change, name change, or a flag on your driving record. In that case, you will need to visit a driver's license office or use mail renewal if you are otherwise may be able to access.
Renewing by Mail if You may have access to
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not currently expired, you have not changed your address in the past two years, you have not changed your name, and you have no violations or suspensions on your record. If all of those conditions are met, you can request a renewal form from the Kansas Department of Revenue or read it from their website.
Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Include a photocopy of your current license. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, so mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to avoid a gap.
If you are unsure whether you meet the mail renewal conditions, call the Kansas Department of Revenue driver's license section before sending your form. A staff member can confirm in one call whether mail renewal is open to you.
Renewing In Person at a Driver's License Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have had an address or name change, or if you did not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal. You will also renew in person if you are over 70 years old, as Kansas requires a vision test at that age.
Bring your current Kansas driver's license, proof of Kansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Visit any Kansas driver's license office during business hours. You do not need an appointment. The office will verify your information, take a new photo if required, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your physical card within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year
If your Kansas license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Depending on your age and how long the license has been expired, the office may require you to pass a vision test or a written knowledge exam before issuing a new license.
Drivers under 70 who renew within a reasonable time after expiration usually only need a vision test. Drivers 70 and older always need a vision test. If your license has been expired for several years, the office may ask you to take the written exam to confirm you still know Kansas traffic laws. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Kansas renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you are renewing it for. A standard six-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check (by mail only). Online and in-person renewals accept card payments. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
The Kansas Department of Revenue website lists the exact fee for your situation. If you are renewing online, the fee is shown before you complete payment. If you are unsure of the amount, call the driver's license section before visiting an office or mailing your form.
Finding a Driver's License Office Near You
Kansas has driver's license offices in most counties. The Kansas Department of Revenue website has a searchable list of all offices, their hours, and their addresses. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you are traveling a long distance, as some smaller offices have limited staff and may close temporarily.
If you live near a county border, you can visit any Kansas office—you do not have to go to the one in your home county. This can be helpful if an office near you has longer hours or shorter wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can begin renewing up to six months before your license expires. Online renewal is available starting six months before expiration. If you renew early, your new license will have a new six-year expiration date from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Kansas license?
You cannot renew a Kansas license if you no longer live in Kansas. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Kansas resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other conditions.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online renewal does not require a new photo—your existing photo stays on file. In-person renewal may require a new photo depending on how long it has been since your last one and office policy. Mail renewal uses your existing photo. Ask the office when you call if you want to know whether a new photo will be taken.
What if my name or address changed since my last license?
You must renew in person if your name or address has changed. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and two documents showing your new address. Online and mail renewal cannot process name or address changes.
How long does my temporary license last while I wait for my card?
Your temporary license (digital online or paper in-person) is valid for 45 days. Your physical card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you during the wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue.