What you need to do to get a replacement license in Kansas

To replace a lost driver's license in Kansas, you must visit a Driver Exam Station operated by the Kansas Department of Revenue, bring proof of identity and Kansas residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is lost or stolen. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Kansas does not charge extra for a replacement due to loss or theft — you pay the same fee as a standard renewal. The fee depends on your license type and how many years remain on your current license, but typically ranges from $20 to $60 for a standard driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go in person to a Driver Exam Station; there is no mail or online option for a lost license.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof you live in Kansas (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee and depends on your license class and remaining validity, not on the reason for replacement.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Exam Station

Bring an original or certified copy of one document from each of these two categories. A photocopy or digital image on your phone will not be accepted.

Proof of identity: U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, tribal ID, or an expired Kansas driver's license (even though it is expired, it still proves who you are). If you have none of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID, but call your local Driver Exam Station first to confirm they will accept your specific combination.

Proof of Kansas residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or property tax bill — all dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current name and address. A cell phone bill typically does not count. If you have recently moved and your documents show an old address, bring a second document (such as a change-of-address letter from USPS) to explain the gap.

Finding your nearest Driver Exam Station and what to expect

The Kansas Department of Revenue operates Driver Exam Stations in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and phone number for your county on the KDOR website under "Driver Exam Stations." Some stations are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your station requires an appointment, as some do and some do not.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will verify your identity and residency documents, ask you to sign a form confirming the license is lost (not suspended or revoked), take a new photo, and collect your fee. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the station is.

You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card — you can drive, show it to police, and use it as ID. Your permanent plastic card will arrive at the address on file by mail. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Exam Station where you applied.

Fees and what affects the cost

Kansas charges a single replacement fee that covers both the temporary and permanent license. The amount depends on your license class (standard, commercial, or motorcycle) and how many years remain on your current license before it would have expired on its own.

For a standard driver's license, the fee is typically $20 to $40 if your license has more than two years left, or $40 to $60 if it is close to expiration. You pay only once — there is no separate charge for the temporary paper license or for mailing the permanent card. Kansas does not charge a surcharge for loss or theft; the fee is identical to what you would pay for a regular renewal.

The Driver Exam Station accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Ask which payment methods your specific station takes before you go, as not all stations accept all forms of payment.

If your license was stolen and you want a police report

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required to get a replacement license in Kansas, but it creates an official record and may help if someone uses your stolen license number fraudulently.

You can file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office in person, by phone, or online if your jurisdiction offers it. Bring the details of when and where you last had the license. The police will give you a report number; keep this for your records. You do not need to bring the police report to the Driver Exam Station — the replacement process is the same whether the license was lost or stolen.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked (for unpaid traffic fines, DUI, or other violations), you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Attempting to get a replacement while under suspension is illegal and will be denied.

Contact the KDOR Driver's License Bureau to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps are required to lift it. This may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension is cleared, you can then explore for a replacement license at a Driver Exam Station using the standard process described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

Yes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete the process at the Driver Exam Station. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must still go to a Kansas Driver Exam Station to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Kansas, or you can visit a station in the state where you are and ask whether they can process a Kansas replacement (some states allow this, but Kansas does not may provide reciprocal service). The safest option is to return to Kansas or contact the KDOR Driver's License Bureau to ask about your options.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

Only if you do not have another accepted form of ID. A Social Security card alone is not proof of identity; you need a government-issued photo ID. If you have a passport or military ID, bring that instead. If you have neither, call your Driver Exam Station ahead of time to confirm what combination of documents they will accept.

What happens if my permanent license does not arrive after 10 days?

Contact the Driver Exam Station where you applied and provide your temporary license number. They can check the status and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail. There is usually no extra charge for a reissue within a reasonable timeframe.

Can I change my address at the same time I replace my lost license?

Yes. Tell the staff member at the Driver Exam Station that you have moved, and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). Your replacement license will be issued with your new address. You do not pay extra for the address change.