What you need to do right now
To replace a lost Kansas driver's license, you will need to visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and Kansas residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Kansas requires you to appear in person.
Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license, so you do not need to update your information with employers, banks, or insurance companies. The new card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of Kansas residency.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- Your replacement license keeps your original license number, so you do not need to notify employers or financial institutions.
- The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Documents to bring to the Kansas Department of Revenue
Bring one document that proves your identity. The Kansas Department of Revenue accepts a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card. If you bring a birth certificate or Social Security card, you will also need a second document that shows your name and address — a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work.
Bring one document that proves you live in Kansas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Your name must appear on the document. If you do not have a recent document with your current address, bring a letter from your landlord or a government agency confirming your Kansas address.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the replacement form. If you do not know your number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it.
Finding a Kansas Department of Revenue office near you
Kansas has 14 driver's license offices across the state. The main office is in Topeka, but most people visit a regional office closer to home. You can find the full list of offices and their hours on the Kansas Department of Revenue website under "Driver's License Offices."
Call ahead before you visit. Some offices are busier than others, and a few offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. Calling takes two minutes and can save you a wasted trip. The phone number for your local office is listed on the Department of Revenue website.
Walk-in visits are welcome, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. If you want to reduce wait time, visit early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Mondays and Fridays are typically busier.
The replacement process and what happens at the office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. You will receive a number and wait to be called. When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your documents.
The staff member will review your proof of identity and residency, ask you to confirm your address and other information on file, and take a new photo. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next five years.
You will then pay the replacement fee. A standard Kansas driver's license costs $20 to replace. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $30. REAL ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building; a standard license is not. If you are unsure which type you have, ask the staff member — they can tell you by looking at your old license or your records.
After payment, you are done. The staff member will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your new license in the mail.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the time of your visit. Ask the staff member for a temporary license before you leave the office. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, but it is not accepted for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.
The temporary license is printed on the spot and given to you when ready. Keep it with you while you drive. Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.
What to do if your license was stolen or damaged
If your license was stolen, the process is the same as for a lost license — bring your documents, pay the fee, and get a new one. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records if the theft was part of a larger incident.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a replacement at the same cost. Bring the damaged license with you along with your proof of identity and residency. The staff member will take the old license and issue a new one.
After your replacement license arrives
Your new license will arrive in a plain envelope within 7 to 10 business days. Check the envelope carefully to make sure the information is correct — your name, address, date of birth, and license number should all match your records. If anything is wrong, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue when ready with your receipt.
Once you have your new license, destroy the temporary paper license if you received one. You do not need to notify your employer, bank, insurance company, or vehicle registration office — your license number has not changed, and your information is already on file with the state.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue with your receipt number. They can track your replacement and reissue it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. Kansas will not issue a replacement license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or an active warrant. You will need to resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out how to pay or set up a payment plan.
What if I moved to Kansas recently and my old license is from another state?
You cannot replace an out-of-state license in Kansas. Instead, you will need to get a new Kansas license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Kansas residency, and your Social Security number to a Kansas Department of Revenue office. The process is the same, and the fee is the same.
Do I need a REAL ID license or a standard license?
If you fly domestically or enter a federal building, you need REAL ID. If you only drive and do not fly, a standard license is fine. When you replace your license, the staff member can tell you which type you currently have and help you decide which to get.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still need to visit a Kansas Department of Revenue office in person. If you are far from Kansas, you can wait until you return home. In the meantime, you can request a temporary paper license by mail — contact the Kansas Department of Revenue to ask about this option, though it is not may provide.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file, so you do not need to pick it up. If you need to change your mailing address before your license arrives, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue with your receipt number.