Get your Kansas driver's license at a Kansas Department of Revenue office, either in person or by mail for renewals

Kansas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles. You must visit a physical office location to take your written test, vision screening, and photo, unless you are renewing by mail and meet specific conditions. There is no online process or remote testing for new licenses in Kansas.

The state operates a network of driver's license offices across all 105 counties. Most counties have at least one office; larger counties have multiple locations. You can find your nearest office, check hours, and see current wait times on the Kansas Department of Revenue website.

If you are renewing an expiring license and have no violations or address changes, you may renew by mail without visiting an office. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process.

Key Takeaways

  • All new driver's licenses require an in-person visit to a Kansas Department of Revenue office for testing and a photo.
  • Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired, you have no violations, and your address has not changed.
  • Kansas offices are located in every county; you can find hours and wait times on the Department of Revenue website before you go.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence to your appointment.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you may take it up to three times in one day if you fail.

Documents you need to bring to a Kansas driver's license office

Kansas requires four categories of documents before you can take your test and receive a license. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

Proof of identity: A valid passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have one of these, you may use a certified birth certificate plus one additional document such as a school record, medical record, or insurance policy with your name and date of birth.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. A tax return with your SSN is also acceptable.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of your visit. Your name and current Kansas address must appear on the document. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Kansas.

Proof of lawful presence: A valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa with your I-94 arrival record. If you are a Kansas resident without lawful presence, you may obtain a Driving Privilege Card instead, which requires the same documents except proof of lawful presence.

How to schedule an appointment at a Kansas driver's license office

Kansas does not require appointments for most driver's license transactions. You may walk in during office hours and take a number. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural counties typically have shorter waits than those in Wichita, Kansas City, or Topeka.

Some offices allow you to check current wait times online before you arrive. If your local office is very busy, you can visit a less crowded location in a nearby county; Kansas honors transactions completed at any state office.

If you are taking a commercial driver's license (CDL) test, some offices require advance scheduling because CDL testing takes longer and uses separate testing stations. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm whether a CDL appointment is needed.

What happens during your first visit to get a Kansas driver's license

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will verify that your documents meet Kansas requirements and that your information matches across all of them. If any document is missing or does not match, you will not be able to test that day.

Next, you will take a vision screening. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed; you may return after you have had your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

You will then take the written knowledge test. The test covers Kansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You must answer at least 24 out of 35 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you may retake the test when ready, up to three times in one day. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one day before testing again.

If you pass the written test, a staff member will take your photo and process your license. Your temporary paper license is issued on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing your Kansas driver's license by mail

You may renew by mail if all of the following are true: your license is not yet expired, you have no violations or suspensions, your address has not changed, and you are not changing your name. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at an office.

To renew by mail, contact your local driver's license office or read the renewal form from the Kansas Department of Revenue website. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $84 for an eight-year license), and mail both to the address listed on the form.

The office will process your renewal and mail your new license to your address on file. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process. Do not plan to renew by mail if your current license expires within two weeks.

Fees for a Kansas driver's license

The cost of a Kansas driver's license depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard operator's license (Class D) costs $84 for an eight-year license or $42 for a four-year license. Renewal costs the same as a new license.

A Driving Privilege Card (for residents without lawful presence) costs $100 for four years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $120 for an eight-year license. Kansas accepts cash, check, money order, and debit or credit card at most offices.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $20. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you must visit an office in person; there is no fee for a name or address change if your license is not yet expired.

What to do if you fail the written test or cannot visit an office

If you fail the written test three times in one day, you must wait at least one calendar day before you can test again. You do not need to bring all your documents on your second visit, but you should bring your ID and proof of residency in case the office asks for them.

If you cannot visit an office because of a medical condition or disability, contact your local driver's license office to discuss options. Kansas may be able to arrange testing at a different location or allow a family member or caregiver to help you complete the process. There is no standard procedure for this; each request is handled individually by the office.

If you are out of state and your Kansas license is about to expire, you may renew by mail if you meet the conditions listed above. If you cannot renew by mail, you must visit a Kansas office in person before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Kansas requires proof of a Social Security number to issue any driver's license or Driving Privilege Card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot obtain a Kansas license. You may contact the Social Security Administration to request a number if you are may be able to access.

What if my proof of residency document is older than 60 days?

Kansas will not accept it. Bring a document dated within 60 days of your office visit. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a bank statement or credit card statement with your current address.

Do I need an appointment to take the written test?

No. Most Kansas offices accept walk-ins during business hours. However, if you are testing for a commercial driver's license (CDL), call ahead to confirm whether your office requires an appointment, as CDL testing may have separate scheduling.

How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pass the test and your photo is taken. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You may use the paper license to drive during this time.

Can I renew my license online?

No. Kansas does not offer online renewal. You may renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no violations or address changes. Otherwise, you must visit an office in person.