Where to explore and What Office Handles Your Request
The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles is the state agency that issues driver's licenses and handles all licensing matters. You cannot get a Kansas license from any other office — not from your city, county, or a third-party vendor. You must visit a Driver's License office in person to explore, take your written test, and have your photo taken.
Kansas operates Driver's License offices in most counties. The main office is in Topeka, but you can visit any branch location across the state. You do not have to explore in the county where you live. Before you go, check the Kansas Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours — some branches have limited schedules or close on certain days.
Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. Call ahead or check the website to see whether your local office takes appointments or operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles is the only place to get a Kansas driver's license, and you must explore in person at a Driver's License office.
- You can visit any Driver's License office in Kansas, not just the one in your county, and some offices allow you to book an appointment online.
- You will need to bring specific documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The written test covers Kansas traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass it before you can take the road test.
- A standard Class D license is valid for six years, and renewal can be done by mail or online if you have no violations or medical changes.
Documents You Need to Bring
Kansas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A photocopy is not acceptable — the document must be an original. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the state where you were born.
You also need proof that you live in Kansas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this number when you fill out your process. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which you will need to board a domestic flight after May 2025), you must bring additional documents that prove your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.
The Written Test and What It Covers
Before you can take the road test, you must pass the written knowledge test at the Driver's License office. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you will need to schedule another appointment or return on another day.
The test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Kansas Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test.
You may take the written test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local Driver's License office to ask whether an interpreter is available. Some offices can arrange this, but you may need to give advance notice.
The Road Test: What to Expect and How to Schedule
After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. The road test is a 20- to 30-minute drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current.
You cannot use a vehicle with safety defects. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors work before the test begins. If anything is broken, the test will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule.
Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in larger cities. Some offices allow you to book online, while others require you to call or visit in person. Ask about wait times when you pass your written test — in busy areas, you may have to wait several weeks for an opening.
License Types and What Each One Allows
Kansas issues several types of driver's licenses. A Class D license is the standard license for drivers 16 and older and allows you to drive a passenger vehicle. This is what most new drivers get. A Class D is valid for six years.
A Class C license is for drivers who want to tow a trailer or small boat. A Class B license is for drivers of single-unit trucks or buses. A Class A license is for drivers of combination vehicles (like a truck with a trailer). Classes B and A require additional testing and are not what a first-time driver needs.
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you do not have a Real ID, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly after May 2025. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are valid for the same length of time.
Costs and How Long Your License Lasts
A standard Class D driver's license costs $20 and is valid for six years. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, and you will need to renew it then. A Real ID-compliant license also costs $20 and lasts six years.
You can renew your license by mail or online if you have no violations, no medical changes, and your address has not changed. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks. Online renewal is faster and can be done from home. If you need to change your address, add restrictions, or have other changes, you must renew in person at a Driver's License office.
If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any Driver's License office. A replacement costs $10 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail. You can get a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Restrictions and Endorsements
When you get your first license, the examiner may add restrictions based on your age or medical history. Common restrictions for young drivers include no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no passengers under 21, and no cell phone use while driving. These restrictions stay on your license until you turn 18 or meet other conditions set by Kansas law.
If you wear glasses or contacts to see clearly while driving, your license will have a restriction that says you must wear them every time you drive. If you fail the vision test without correction, you cannot get a license until your vision improves.
An endorsement is different from a restriction — it allows you to drive a certain type of vehicle. For example, a motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle. To get a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a separate written test and road test. You can add endorsements to your license at any time by visiting a Driver's License office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. Kansas requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver's License office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must visit an office, show your ID, and take the test under supervision.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test. There is no limit to how many times you can try, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You can schedule another test as soon as the next day if an appointment is available.
Do I need a permit before I can take the road test?
No. Kansas does not have a separate learner's permit. Once you pass the written test, you can take the road test. However, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your process.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal is useful if you are about to move or want to update your address before your current license expires.
What if I move to Kansas from another state?
You must get a Kansas license within 30 days of moving to the state. You can transfer your out-of-state license by visiting a Driver's License office and passing the written test. You do not have to take the road test again if your out-of-state license is valid and you have not had it suspended or revoked.