The cost of a Kansas learner's permit

A Kansas learner's permit costs $20. This is a one-time fee you pay when you first get your permit at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The $20 covers the permit itself and is separate from any other fees you might pay later — for example, when you upgrade to a full driver's license.

The $20 fee has been the standard for several years, but it's worth confirming the current amount when you visit your local office or check the Kansas Department of Revenue website, since fees can change. Some offices may accept cash, check, or card, but policies vary by location, so call ahead if you want to know what payment methods they take.

You cannot pay this fee online or by mail. You must go in person to a Kansas Department of Revenue office to explore for your permit and pay the fee at that time.

Key Takeaways

  • A Kansas learner's permit costs $20, paid in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office when you explore.
  • The $20 fee is one-time and covers only the permit itself, not the written test or any other services.
  • You cannot pay online or by mail — you must visit an office in person to complete the process and hand over payment.
  • Payment methods vary by office location, so call ahead to confirm whether they take cash, check, or card.
  • When you later upgrade from a learner's permit to a full license, you will pay a separate fee for that transaction.

What the $20 fee includes and does not include

The $20 permit fee covers the physical permit card and the right to practice driving under supervision. It does not cover the written knowledge test you take to earn the permit. In Kansas, you take the written test at the same office visit where you pay the $20 fee, but the test itself has no separate charge — it is included in the office visit.

The fee also does not cover a road test or any other services. If you later take a road test to move from a learner's permit to a full license, that will involve a different fee at a different time.

How to pay and what to bring

When you arrive at a Kansas Department of Revenue office to get your learner's permit, bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your Kansas address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will fill out an process form at the office.

After you complete the process, you will pay the $20 fee. The office will then give you the written test. Once you pass, you receive your permit card on the spot or shortly after. Bring the payment method your local office accepts — call ahead to confirm whether that is cash, check, or card.

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is and how quickly you pass the written test.

Timeline from payment to permit in hand

You pay the $20 fee and take the written test on the same day. If you pass the test, you typically receive your permit card when ready or within a few days. Some offices print the card on site; others mail it to you. Ask the staff member at your office which applies to yours.

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test — the $20 you paid covers multiple attempts within a set period (usually 12 months).

Fees when you move from permit to full license

Once you have held your learner's permit for the required time and passed a road test, you will upgrade to a full Kansas driver's license. That upgrade involves a separate fee, which is different from the $20 permit fee. A Kansas driver's license costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, depending on which you choose.

You do not pay both the $20 permit fee and the license fee at the same time. The permit fee is paid upfront; the license fee comes later when you actually get your license.

Where to pay and find your local office

You pay the $20 fee in person at any Kansas Department of Revenue office. Kansas has offices in most counties, and you can use the office locator on the Kansas Department of Revenue website to find the one nearest you. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you the address, hours, and phone number.

Some offices are busier than others, especially on weekends and after school hours. If you want to avoid a long wait, call your local office first to ask when they are least busy, or check whether they offer online appointment scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the $20 fee online or by mail?

No. You must pay in person at a Kansas Department of Revenue office. There is no online or mail option for learner's permit applications or fees.

What if I fail the written test — do I have to pay $20 again?

No. The $20 fee covers multiple test attempts within a 12-month period. If you fail, you can retake the test at no additional cost, either the same day or at a later appointment.

Is the $20 fee the same at every Kansas office?

Yes, the state fee is the same everywhere in Kansas. However, call your local office to confirm the current amount, since fees can change. Some offices may also charge a small additional fee for services like replacement cards, but the base permit fee is $20.

Do I have to pay the full $20 if I'm under 18?

Yes. The $20 fee applies to all applicants regardless of age. There are no discounts for minors or any other group.

What happens to my $20 if I don't pass the written test on my first visit?

Your $20 payment stays valid for retakes within 12 months. You do not lose the money or have to pay again. You can return to the office and take the test again at no additional cost.