Where to find the Kansas Department of Revenue Drivers License Office
The Kansas Department of Revenue issues all driver's licenses and ID cards in the state. The main office is located in Topeka, but you do not have to go there — Kansas has multiple driver's license offices across the state where you can explore in person, renew by mail, or handle other license business.
To find the office nearest you, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or county. Each office has its own hours, which vary — some are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours change seasonally and some offices close for lunch.
If you live far from any office, you may be able to renew your license by mail instead of visiting in person. Mail renewal is available for standard renewals only, not for first-time applications or certain other transactions. The process form and instructions are available on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas has multiple driver's license offices across the state, not just one central location, and you can visit whichever is most convenient.
- Office hours vary by location and season, so you should check the Kansas Department of Revenue website or call before making a trip.
- You can renew a standard license by mail without visiting an office, but first-time applications and certain other transactions require an in-person visit.
- You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number, and the exact list depends on which type of license you are seeking.
- The Kansas Department of Revenue charges different fees for different license types and transactions, and fees vary based on how long your license is valid.
What documents you need to bring
The Kansas Department of Revenue requires you to prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and Kansas residency before issuing a license. The documents you bring depend on whether this is your first license, a renewal, or a replacement.
For a first-time process, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and at least one document proving your current Kansas address — such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need a valid form of photo ID if you have one, though this is not required if you do not.
For a renewal or replacement, bring your current license or ID card plus one document proving your current address if your address has changed. If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to bring anything in person — you mail the form and your current license to the address listed on the process.
The Kansas Department of Revenue also accepts certain documents from other countries if you are not a U.S. citizen. Visit their website or ask at your local office for the full list of acceptable documents for your situation.
Fees and how long a Kansas license lasts
Kansas driver's licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and the type of license. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older is valid for six years. A license for someone under 21 is valid for four years. An ID card (non-driver) is valid for four years.
The fee for a six-year driver's license is $24. A four-year license costs $18. An ID card costs $12. These fees cover the license itself and are paid when you explore. If you renew by mail, you pay the same fee and mail it with your process.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is the same as a renewal. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you can do that at any driver's license office without paying an additional fee — you only pay if you are renewing or replacing the license itself.
how the process works for your first Kansas license
If you do not have a Kansas driver's license yet, you must explore in person at a driver's license office. You cannot explore by mail for a first-time license. Bring all the documents listed above, arrive during office hours, and tell the staff member you are explore for a new license.
The staff will check your documents, take your photo, and have you sign the process. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test. Some offices allow you to schedule the driving test for a different day if the office is busy. Ask when you arrive whether you can test the same day or if you need to come back.
Once you pass both tests, you pay the fee and receive your license on the spot. Your license is valid when ready. If you fail either test, you can retake it — the office will tell you how many days you must wait before trying again and whether you need to pay a retake fee.
Renewing your Kansas license by mail or in person
If your license is expiring soon and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or other information, you can renew by mail. read the renewal process from the Kansas Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Mail renewal usually takes two to three weeks.
If your address has changed, your name has changed, or you prefer to renew in person, visit any driver's license office. Bring your current license and one document proving your new address if you have moved. The office will update your information, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for a renewal.
Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on it. You can renew up to six months before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired — ask your local office about their policy.
Getting a Real ID compliant license in Kansas
A Real ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license looks like a regular Kansas license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.
To get a Real ID license, explore in person at a driver's license office and bring the same documents as you would for a regular license, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number — such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. The fee is the same as a regular license.
If you already have a Kansas license and want to upgrade it to Real ID, you can do that at any office. Bring your current license, your Social Security card or proof of your number, and the fee. You will have a new photo taken and receive your Real ID license on the spot.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Kansas license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are temporary — your license will be restored on a specific date. Revocations are permanent unless you go through a formal process to have your license reinstated.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, failing to pay court fines, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. If you believe your license has been suspended, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to find out why and when it will be restored.
If your license has been revoked, you must meet certain conditions before you can reapply — such as completing a substance abuse program, paying all fines, or waiting a set period of time. The Kansas Department of Revenue can tell you what you need to do. Once you meet those conditions, you can reapply for a license at any driver's license office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license online?
No, Kansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a driver's license office. Mail renewal is the fastest way to renew without leaving home if your address and name have not changed.
What if I moved to Kansas from another state?
You must get a Kansas license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Kansas address, and your Social Security card or proof of your number. You will need to take the written test but not the driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid.
How long does it take to get a license if I explore in person?
If you pass both the written and driving tests on the same day, you receive your license on the spot. If you fail either test or need to schedule the driving test for another day, you will need to return to the office later.
Can I get a duplicate license if mine was lost or stolen?
Yes. Visit any driver's license office, bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, and one document proving your current address. You will have a new photo taken and pay the replacement fee. You receive the new license on the same day.
What is the difference between a driver's license and an ID card in Kansas?
A driver's license allows you to operate a motor vehicle. An ID card does not give you driving privileges but serves as a valid form of identification for other purposes, such as boarding a flight or entering a federal building. Both are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue and both can be Real ID compliant.