Where to Get Your License in Lawrence
In Lawrence, you get your driver's license through the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. The Lawrence office is located at 2308 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS 66046. This is the only place in Lawrence where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your actual license card.
You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. It's a good idea to arrive early or call ahead at (785) 841-8000 to confirm hours, since they sometimes close for staff training or state holidays.
If you need to renew an existing Kansas license or get a duplicate, you can also handle some transactions online through the Kansas DMV website, but new licenses and tests must be done in person at the Lawrence office.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue office at 2308 Harper Street in Lawrence is where you take your written test, road test, and receive your license.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your appointment.
- Kansas offers three main license types for different ages and driving privileges: a learner's permit (age 14), an intermediate license (age 16), and a full license (age 17).
- Your road test appointment must be scheduled in advance; you cannot straightforward walk in and test the same day.
- The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs and costs a small fee that varies depending on your license type.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Before you go to the Lawrence office, gather these documents. You'll need a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You also need proof of residency in Lawrence or Douglas County, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you don't have either, you'll need to explore for one before you can get a Kansas license. You'll also need to bring any documents related to your name if it's different from your birth certificate — a marriage certificate or court order, for example.
If you're under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. Kansas requires a parent or guardian to sign consent forms for anyone under 18 explore for a learner's permit or intermediate license.
The Written Test and What It Covers
The written test in Kansas covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Kansas. You'll answer multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Lawrence office. The test typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Kansas DMV website or in print at the Lawrence office. The manual covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a fee each time you take the test, so studying the manual beforehand saves you money and time.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test at the same Lawrence office. You cannot take the road test on the same day as your written test — Kansas requires at least one business day between them. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as you pass your written exam.
For your road test, bring the same vehicle you'll be driving on the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive. Bring your learner's permit or intermediate license, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's registration.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and driving on different types of roads. You'll also be tested on your ability to follow traffic laws and respond safely to other drivers and pedestrians. You need to pass this test to move to the next license type or get your full license.
License Types and Age Requirements in Kansas
Kansas has three main driver's license types, each with different age requirements and driving restrictions. A learner's permit is available at age 14 and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can move to the next level.
An intermediate license is available at age 16 if you've held your learner's permit for 12 months and passed your road test. With an intermediate license, you can drive alone during the day, but you have restrictions on nighttime driving and the number of passengers you can carry. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 17.
A full driver's license is available at age 17. Once you have a full license, you can drive without the restrictions that come with an intermediate license. If you're 18 or older and have never had a Kansas license, you can skip the learner's permit and intermediate license stages and go straight to a full license after passing your written and road tests.
Fees and What to Expect to Pay
Kansas charges different fees depending on which license type you're getting and how long you want it to be valid. A learner's permit costs less than a full license. An intermediate license costs more than a learner's permit but less than a full license. A full license for someone 17 or older costs the most.
You'll also pay a fee each time you take the written test and each time you take the road test. If you fail either test, you pay the fee again when you retake it. The Lawrence office accepts cash, check, and card payments.
Fees change from year to year, so call the Lawrence office at (785) 841-8000 or check the Kansas DMV website before you go to find out the exact amount you'll need to bring.
What Happens After You Pass Your Road Test
Once you pass your road test, the examiner will tell you right away. You'll go back inside the Lawrence office to pay any remaining fees and have your photo taken for your license card. Your actual plastic license card is mailed to your address within one to two weeks.
Until your card arrives, you can drive using a temporary paper license that the office gives you on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same driving privileges as your permanent card. Keep it with you whenever you drive.
If your permanent card doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Lawrence office. Sometimes cards get lost in the mail, and the office can issue a replacement or investigate what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a different city if I live in Lawrence?
No. You must take your road test at the office where you passed your written test. Since the Lawrence office is the only one in Lawrence, your road test will be there too. If you move to a different Kansas city before your road test, you'll need to retake your written test at the new location.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake it as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is a fee each time you test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those specific skills before you come back.
Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
You must schedule an appointment in advance for your written test and road test. Walk-ins are not accepted. Call (785) 841-8000 or visit the Kansas DMV website to book your appointment. Appointments fill up weeks in advance during busy seasons.
What if I'm moving out of Kansas after I get my license?
Your Kansas license is valid in all 50 states. You don't need to get a new license when you move, but you may want to update your address with the Kansas DMV or get a license in your new state if you plan to stay there permanently. Check your new state's rules about when you must switch.
Can I renew my license online if I live in Lawrence?
It depends on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal. Kansas allows some renewals online through the DMV website, but new licenses must be done in person. Call the Lawrence office or check the Kansas DMV website to see if your renewal can be handled online.