What you need to do to get a Kansas driver's license

To get a Kansas driver's license, you visit your local Driver Licensing office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes at least two visits — one to explore and take the written exam, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the road test. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Kansas does not issue licenses by mail or online.

The cost varies by age and license type. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older costs $20 and is valid for six years. Younger drivers pay different amounts depending on whether they are getting a learner's permit first or going straight to a full license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Kansas Driver Licensing office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Kansas Driver's Manual available on the KDOR website.
  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a road test, which is usually weeks later depending on office wait times.
  • A standard six-year driver's license for adults costs $20; learner's permits and licenses for drivers under 21 have different fees and restrictions.
  • Kansas requires a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like flying or entering military bases; this requires additional documents but costs the same.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Licensing office

Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person.

Bring proof that you live in Kansas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or government mail also counts. You need only one document, but it must show your current address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation. Bring your current driver's license if you have one, even if it is expired or from another state.

The written test: what to study and how it works

The written test has 50 questions about Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Driver Licensing office; you do not need to bring anything except your documents. You have one hour to complete it.

Study using the free Kansas Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) website. The manual covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Read it cover to cover or focus on sections you find difficult. Many people take the test twice; if you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

You can also study using third-party apps and websites, but the official manual is the most reliable source. Some Driver Licensing offices offer practice tests on their computers before you take the real one; ask when you arrive.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test, the office staff will help you schedule your road test. The wait time depends on how busy your local office is. In rural areas, you might get a test within a week or two. In larger cities like Kansas City or Wichita, the wait can be four to eight weeks or longer. You will receive a confirmation letter or email with your test date and time.

On the day of your road test, bring your confirmation letter, your documents again, and a vehicle that is safe and registered. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. A family member or friend can own the vehicle; it does not have to be registered in your name. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.

The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle in real traffic. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, or hitting the curb during parking. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day and pay the test fee again.

Real ID compliance 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 security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federal ID (like a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building or military base.

Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($20 for six years) but requires one additional document: either a certified birth certificate, a passport, or a passport card. You bring this document along with your other proof of identity and residency. If you already have a standard Kansas license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any Driver Licensing office without retaking the written or road tests.

If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving. However, most people get Real ID now to avoid needing a passport for travel.

Learner's permits for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. A learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year. You get it the same way as a regular license: bring your documents, pass the written test, and pay the fee. You do not take a road test for the permit.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone. Kansas law also restricts when you can drive: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You must follow all other traffic laws exactly as an adult driver would.

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 14 days, you can schedule your road test. Once you pass, you get a full driver's license. Drivers under 18 pay $15 for a license valid until their 21st birthday.

Renewing or replacing your Kansas license

A standard Kansas driver's license is valid for six years. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Licensing office. Renewing by mail or online costs $20 and takes about two weeks. You do not need to retake any tests unless your license was suspended or revoked.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Licensing office. A replacement costs $10 and is issued when ready. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew or replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted and you have met all requirements (such as paying fines or completing a defensive driving course).

Finding your local Driver Licensing office and what to expect

Kansas has Driver Licensing offices in every county. Find yours by visiting the KDOR website and entering your county name. The office locations, hours, and phone numbers are listed there. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead to ask about wait times, especially if you are taking the written test.

Arrive early. Most offices do not take appointments for the written test, so you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on how busy the office is. Bring all your documents, even if you think you might not need them. If a document is missing or incorrect, you will have to leave and return another day. Bring cash or a card to pay the fee.

If you are taking the road test, you will have a scheduled appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiner will check your vehicle for safety, ask you to show your documents, and then take you on the road test. The whole visit usually takes less than an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Kansas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can use that instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS. You will still need proof of identity and Kansas residency. Contact your local Driver Licensing office if you have questions about your specific situation.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the Kansas Driver's Manual more carefully.

Do I need to take the written test again if I let my license expire?

No. If you renew your license within a certain time after it expires, you do not need to retake the written or road test. However, if your license has been expired for a very long time, Kansas may require you to retake the tests. Call your local Driver Licensing office to ask about your specific situation.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to receive your license after you pass the road test. The examiner will take your photo and issue your license on the spot. You cannot have someone else collect it for you.

What if I move to Kansas from another state — do I need to take the tests again?

Yes. You must get a Kansas license within 30 days of moving to the state. You will need to take both the written and road tests, even if you have a valid license from another state. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents.