Where to go for your driver's license in Junction City
The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles handles all driver's licenses in Kansas. In Junction City, you will visit the local office to take your written test, vision screening, and photo, or to renew an existing license. The Junction City office is located at 1110 West 6th Street, Junction City, KS 66441. You can call ahead at (785) 238-3701 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you go.
Kansas does not allow you to take your written test online or by mail. You must appear in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The Junction City location serves Geary County and the surrounding area, so this is where most local residents will go. If you cannot reach the Junction City office or need an alternative, the nearest other offices are in Manhattan and Salina, both within 30 minutes' drive.
Hours vary by location and season, so call or check the Kansas Department of Revenue website before making the trip. Some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits, especially on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- The Junction City office of the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles is at 1110 West 6th Street and handles all driver's license testing and issuance.
- You must appear in person to take your written test, vision screening, and photo — Kansas does not offer online or mail-in testing.
- Call (785) 238-3701 before you go to confirm current hours, because they vary and some days have reduced availability.
- Arriving early on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends.
- If the Junction City office is closed or you cannot reach it, offices in Manhattan and Salina are nearby alternatives.
What documents you need to bring
Kansas requires proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you can take your test or renew. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have all three, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day.
For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you have none of these, a birth certificate or certified adoption record will work. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and a Junction City or Geary County address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign consent forms. Bring the same documents for them as well. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
How much it costs and payment methods
A four-year driver's license in Kansas costs $20. A six-year license costs $30. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. Renewal fees are the same as the initial license fee. The Junction City office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card — ask which methods they take when you call.
If you are renewing by mail (which Kansas allows in some cases), you will need to include a check or money order with your process. You cannot pay online for an in-person visit, so bring payment with you to the office. If you cannot afford the fee at the time of your visit, ask the office staff whether they have any payment plan options — policies vary by location.
What to expect during your first visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will then wait for your turn. When called, you will go to a station where staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and schedule your written test. The photo is taken on the spot — wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, because you cannot retake it.
After your photo, you will sit at a computer terminal or paper station to take the written test. The test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Kansas. If you pass, you will take a vision screening at the same visit. If your vision does not meet Kansas standards without correction, you can wear glasses or contacts for the test.
Once you pass both the written test and vision screening, the office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office's process. Ask before you leave which method they use. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready for driving while you wait for the plastic card.
If you have a suspended or revoked license
If your Kansas license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions in Kansas happen for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. Revocations are more serious and usually result from multiple DUI convictions or serious traffic violations.
To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the Kansas Department of Revenue at (785) 296-3671 or visit their website. They will tell you the reason and what you must do to restore it. For most suspensions, you will need to pay outstanding fines, appear in court, or resolve the underlying issue. Once that is done, you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement process and any associated fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension.
If you need to drive before your suspension is lifted, you may be able to get a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Ask the Junction City office whether you are may be able to access and what paperwork you need to submit.
Real ID and what it means for your Kansas license
Kansas offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base as of May 2025.
Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your lawful presence in the United States — usually your birth certificate or passport. The fee is the same: $20 for four years or $30 for six years. If you already have a standard Kansas license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting the office and requesting the upgrade.
If you do not need a Real ID for federal purposes, a standard Kansas license is still valid for driving and state identification. The choice is yours at the time you explore or renew.
Renewing your license by mail or in person
If your Kansas license is not suspended and you have not had any major changes (name, address, vision correction), you can renew by mail. Kansas will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes instructions and a form to mail back with payment. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your process.
You can also renew in person at the Junction City office at any time before your license expires. In-person renewal is faster — you will receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you renew in person, bring the same documents you brought for your initial license: proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must come in person and retake the written test and vision screening. The sooner you renew after expiration, the easier the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my written test online or at home?
No. Kansas requires you to take your written test in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The Junction City office is the location for Geary County residents. You cannot complete the test by mail, online, or through any third-party service.
What if I fail my written test?
You can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Kansas. Most people pass on their second or third try if they study the Kansas Driver's Manual beforehand.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
If the office issues it on the spot, you will have it before you leave. If they mail it, it usually arrives within a few days. Ask the staff at the Junction City office which method they use. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready while you wait for the plastic card.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Kansas?
No. A standard Kansas driver's license is valid for driving. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. If you do not need it for those purposes, a standard license is fine.
What if I moved to Junction City from another state?
You must get a Kansas license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Kansas residency, and the other required documents to the Junction City office. You will take the written test and vision screening as if you were a new driver, even if you have a valid license from another state.