What You Need to Know About Kansas Driver's Licenses
Kansas issues a standard driver's license valid for six years from your birthday. The state also offers a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) that works for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering military bases. You can get either type at your first issuance, or upgrade a standard license to Real ID later. The process, fees, and required documents differ slightly depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or upgrading to Real ID.
Kansas does not mail licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver Exam Station or a county treasurer's office that handles license services. Processing takes about 15 minutes if you have all required documents; the license itself arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas driver's licenses are valid for six years and cost $24 for a standard license or $27 for a Real ID license at first issuance.
- You must appear in person with a valid ID, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of Social Security number; Real ID also requires a birth certificate or passport.
- Renewals by mail are available only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, failed drug test, or court order) before the DMV will issue a new one.
- Kansas accepts out-of-state licenses as proof of identity, but you cannot hold a valid license from another state while getting a Kansas license.
Getting Your First Kansas Driver's License
To get your first Kansas license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test. You can take the knowledge test at any Driver Exam Station; you do not need to schedule an appointment. Bring your valid ID, proof of Kansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The knowledge test costs $10 and takes about 15 minutes.
After you pass the knowledge test, you schedule a driving skills test at the same location. Kansas does not set a waiting period between the knowledge test and the driving test, but exam stations book driving tests weeks in advance. Bring the same documents plus proof of vehicle insurance. The driving test costs $14. If you pass, you pay the license fee ($24 standard or $27 Real ID) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
If you are under 16, Kansas requires a learner's permit first. The permit costs $10, requires the same documents as a standard license, and is valid for one year. You must hold the permit for at least 14 days before taking the driving test, and you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older during all driving.
Renewing Your Kansas Driver's License
If your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information, you can renew by mail. The state sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration. Mail the notice, your current license, and a check for $24 (standard) or $27 (Real ID) to the address on the notice. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your process.
If your license is expired, your address has changed, or you want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person at a Driver Exam Station or county treasurer's office. Bring your expired license, proof of current Kansas residency, and proof of Social Security number. If upgrading to Real ID, also bring your birth certificate or passport. There is no test required for renewal. The fee is $24 for standard or $27 for Real ID. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 days.
Real ID Compliance and the Gold Star License
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 need Real ID to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. Kansas began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and the federal government has not set a important date for all states to comply, though some federal facilities have already begun requiring it.
To get Real ID at first issuance or upgrade, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or passport card along with your standard ID documents. The fee is $3 more than a standard license ($27 instead of $24). If you already have a standard Kansas license and want to upgrade without renewing, you can do so at any Driver Exam Station or county treasurer's office by paying the $3 difference and providing your birth certificate or passport. The upgraded license is mailed within 7 to 10 days.
Documents You Must Bring
Kansas requires specific documents depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or upgrading. The table below shows what you need for each situation.
| Situation | Required Documents | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| First license (standard) | Valid ID, proof of Kansas residency, proof of Social Security number | $10 (knowledge test) + $14 (driving test) + $24 (license) = $48 |
| First license (Real ID) | Valid ID, proof of Kansas residency, proof of Social Security number, birth certificate or passport | $10 (knowledge test) + $14 (driving test) + $27 (license) = $51 |
| Renewal by mail (standard) | Current license, renewal notice, check | $24 |
| Renewal in person (standard) | Expired license, proof of Kansas residency, proof of Social Security number | $24 |
| Renewal in person (Real ID) | Expired license, proof of Kansas residency, proof of Social Security number, birth certificate or passport | $27 |
| Upgrade to Real ID (no renewal) | Current standard license, birth certificate or passport | $3 |
Proof of Kansas residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days. A P.O. box does not count. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. Valid ID can be a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or out-of-state driver's license.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
Kansas suspends or revokes licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. The DMV will not issue a new license or renew an existing one until the suspension is lifted.
To learn about your license is suspended, contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671 or check the status online through the Kansas DMV website. If your license is suspended, the notice you received explains what you must do to lift the suspension — usually paying fines, completing a court-ordered program, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once you have resolved the issue, return to a Driver Exam Station or county treasurer's office with proof of resolution (receipt, court order, or completion certificate) and your ID. There is no additional fee to reinstate a suspended license.
Changing Your Name or Address on Your Kansas License
If you change your name or address, you must update your license. If your license is not expired, you can update your address by mail: send a letter with your current license, a copy of your new address proof (utility bill or lease), and a check for $5 to the Kansas DMV. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
If you change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or legal change), you must appear in person at a Driver Exam Station or county treasurer's office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Kansas residency. There is no fee for a name change. You receive a temporary paper license and the permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kansas license if I live out of state?
No. Kansas requires you to be a Kansas resident to hold a Kansas license. If you move out of state, you must get a license from your new state. You cannot hold valid licenses from two states at the same time.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at any time. There is no waiting period between attempts, but exam stations book tests weeks in advance. You pay the $14 test fee each time you take it. You do not need to retake the knowledge test unless your knowledge test pass has expired (typically one year).
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Kansas DMV at 785-296-3671.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew in person?
Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew or upgrade in person. If you renew by mail, your photo from the previous license is used.
What if my license is lost or stolen?
Report it to the Kansas DMV and request a replacement. You can do this in person at a Driver Exam Station or county treasurer's office, or by mail. The replacement fee is $10. You receive a temporary paper license and the permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 days.