Frequently Asked Questions

Although it is not mandatory, the Kansas DMV recommends that you file a police report if your drivers license has been lost or stolen and obtain a case number in order to prevent someone else from assuming your identity. Reporting your lost drivers license or stolen drivers license to the proper authorities will result with this important notation being made to your record and it will also reduce the chances of identity theft and/or fraud.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

In order to apply for your drivers license you must first pass a written test. The driver’s manual is the book that provides the information you need to know in order to pass your written driving test and to get your drivers permit, as well as information regarding different types of licenses, state traffic laws, road signs, safe driving information and regulations – all of which will help you drive safely and successfully. You can download a copy of the Kansas Driver s Manual from the web-site of the Kansas Department of Revenue or purchase a hard copy at any DMV office.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

Kansas drivers can renew their driving permit in person at any Kansas Driver s License Exam Station or by mail (if eligible).

IN PERSON

To renew your Kansas drivers permit, visit a DMV near you and do the following:

• Present your expiring license and proof of identity
• Provide your Social Security number (SSN).
• Provide proof of your Kansas residency. For foreign visitors proof of lawful presence in the US is required.
• Complete vision test. You can also bring proof of an exam from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist administered within the last 90 days.
• Pay all applicable fees, which vary depending on the type of driving license and validity, and may also include a photo fee and test fee.

BY MAIL

You can renew your KS drivers license only if you are temporarily residing out-of-state. Therefore, if you are an active duty military member, a military dependent or temporarily living outside the state of Kansas, you should complete the Kansas Renewal, Extension or Replacement Form applicable to your situation. You can mail the completed form with the additonal information and payment to:

DMV

P.O.BOX 2188

Topeka, KS 66612

The renewed drivers license will arrive by mail at the address provided by you.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

If you are younger than 17 years of age, you will need to complete the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program.

If you are over 18 years of age must apply for a KS driving license in person at your local KS DOR Office.

If you have never been licensed you must:

• Present acceptable proof of identity
• Present proof of Kansas residency and lawful presence
• Pass a vision examination
• Pass all applicable written examination(s)
• Pass driving examination (vehicle provided by you)
• Pay applicable fees

If you have an out-of-state drivers license, you can apply for a Kansas driving license by following the same instructions. In addition, depending on the validity and/or expiration of the license, some of the tests might be waived:

– If your out-of-state license to drive is valid, you are not required to pass the written and driving test

– If your out-of-state driving license expired one year ago or less, the driving exam is waived

-If your of-state drivers license has expired over one year ago, you must past all the required tests (vision, written and driving)

By law, you are required to transfer your out-of-state drivers license within 90 days of becoming a Kansas resident. Moreover, your out-of-state driving license must not be suspended, revoked, or cancelled in any state.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

The state of Kansas does not allow the issuance of a hardship license that would allow a person to drive on a suspended drivers license and revoked driving license or during the length of their cancellation or disqualification period.

Nevertheless, restricted driving permits may be ordered by the court. A district or municipal court may enter an order restricting the person s driving privileges to driving only under the following circumstances:

• In going to or returning from the person s place of employment or schooling,
• In the course of the person s employment;
• During a medical emergency;
• At such times of the day and as may be specified by the order.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

Active duty military members and their dependents stationed outside of Kansas may obtain a replacement of their Kansas driving license or obtain a six month extension on their Kansas drivers license through the mail. They are required to:

• Download and complete the appropriate application form.

For Applicants age 21 or older- Military or Military Dependent stationed outside of Kansas or outside of the country

For Applicants under the age of 21- Military or Military Dependent stationed outside of Kansas or outside of the country

• Write a check or money order, made payable to: Kansas DMV. Alternatively, include your credit card information on the application form
• Mail the completed form, along with your payment, to:

DMV

P.O. Box 2188

Topeka, KS 66612

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

The best way to find out if your drivers license has been mailed out is by contacting the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles directly. You can do so by calling their toll-free number at (785) 296-3963. You can also make an in-person visit to any Driver License Exam Station. Find a KS DOR location near you using our DMV locator.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

If your Kansas drivers license or identification card has been lost or stolen, you should apply for a duplicate drivers license at your local Division of Motor Vehicles driver’s license office. You must apply for a driving permit replacement in person at a KS DOR location near you and take the following steps:

• Provide two original documents proving identity
• Provide at least one original document proving Kansas residency
• Provide proof of legal name change, if applicable.
• Provide your Social Security number.
• Pay the applicable fees

To apply for a duplicate Kansas drivers license you cannot have a suspended driving license for an alcohol-related offense, been issued a temporary drivers license or have had a suspension, revocation or cancellation order issued by the KS Division of Motor Vehicles or by a court of law.

Also, if your driving license or ID card has been damaged, return the damaged pieces while applying for a replacement. You are not allowed to carry two licenses even if one of them is damaged.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

In Kansas, an individual may be deemed a “habitual violator” if he or she is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, three serious traffic violations within a five-year period. The consequences of being a “habitual violator” result in a three-year revocation of your drivers license.

Once that period expires, you can reinstate your revoked driving license. You will receive a written notice of restoration from the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles with instructions on how to reinstate suspended drivers license, which include heading out to a KS DMV near you, paying the applicable fees and submitting all the necessary paperwork. You may be required to retake the DMV test.

Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for more details on your specific reinstatement requirements.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration from the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles with instructions on how to reinstate suspended drivers license. Note that reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your drivers license suspension.

Reinstating suspended drivers license requires you to:

• Visit your local Kansas DMV location
• Pay the reinstatement fee. This fee can be paid online (only for the payment of insurance related reinstatements) or in person at a Driver Licensing Exam Station
• Submit any required suspension documents.
• File an SR22 or proof of auto insurance.
• Retake the DMV tests (if necessary).

Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for more details on your specific reinstatement requirements.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

If you are temporarily residing out-of-state, you can renew your KS drivers license by mail or obtain an extension of 6 months. Therefore, if you are an active duty military member, a military dependent or temporarily living outside the state of Kansas, you should complete the Kansas Renewal, Extension or Replacement Form applicable to your situation and mail it along with the additional information and payment to:

DMV

P.O.BOX 2188

Topeka, KS 66612

The renewed drivers license will arrive by mail at the address provided by you.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

If you are not a U.S. citizen and you are applying for a duplicate drivers license or KS identification card you must present two documents to establish identity/lawful presence, which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card
• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card
• Unexpired Foreign Passport with required U.S. entry markings and/or documentation
• Valid I-94 (i.e. Asylee/Refugee)
• Refugee Travel Document

Please note that all documents presented must be original or certified copies as faxed or photocopied documents will not be accepted.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

Kansas residents who are temporarily out of state, such as military personnel or students, may replace their lost drivers license by mail or fax. They need to:

• Download and complete the appropriate application form from the website of the KS Department of Revenue.
• Write a check or money order, made payable to: Kansas DMV. Alternatively, include your credit card information on the application form
• Fax the completed form to (785) 296-0691 or mail it, along with your payment to:

DMV

P.O. Box 2188

Topeka, KS 66612

Your KS driving license replacement will be mailed to the address you give on the application form.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

All driving license applicants in the state of Kansas will have their vision screened at the Driver Licensing Station, or present a Driver Licensing eye examination from completed in the last 90 days by a licensed Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. During the test, a DMV representative will ask you to read a line on an eye chart with both of your eyes open and then another line with each eye individually. Vision must be at least 20/40 in one eye when screened at the Driver License Station. If corrective lenses are required to meet this standard then a restriction will be placed on the drivers license and the driver will be required to wear corrective lenses when driving.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

Refusing to take a chemical test is considered a separate offense in the state of Kansas and even if you are acquitted on DUI charges later, you may still have your license suspended for up to one year based on your refusal to take the BAC test.

If you receive a DUI/DWI conviction and you refused to take the BAC test, it is highly likely that the fine you pay will be higher and the period of suspension longer as well. In addition, the reinstatement fees for failing or refusing a chemical test range between $100 and $1,000 (depending on the number of offenses you have had).

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

Your Kansas drivers license is valid for four or six years depending on your age. You can renew your license any time two years prior to its expiration. You do so by visiting a nearby DMV in person or by mail if you are temporarily living outside the state of Kansas. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents and applicable fees before filing your drivers license renewal application.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

No, the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles does not waive the duplicate drivers license fee. In other words, you must pay a $16 fee to be issued a KS driving license replacement even if you have reported your lost drivers license or stolen drivers license to the proper authorities. However, the Kansas DMV still urges drivers to file a police report before replacing driving licenses in order to protect them from identity theft.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

The DMV might flag your license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as your own. Also, a DMV clerk might suggest that you should apply for a duplicate license. However, to be on the safe side, immediately report your drivers license as lost or stolen at your nearest Kansas Driver License Exam Station.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

No, the state of Kansas does not impose an age limit on renewing your drivers license. If you are older than 21 but younger than 65, your KS drivers license is valid for six years, whereas if you are 65 or older, you driving license is valid for four years. Bear in mind that if you are over 65 years of age, you will be required to take a vision exam and pass an open book test relating to traffic signals and laws when renewing your expired drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

Your duplicate drivers license will be mailed to the address you provide on the application form when visiting a KS DMV near you. If you are currently residing out of state and are replacing your drivers license or identification card, it will be mailed to the address you give on the appropriate application form. Delivery time vary depending on your location.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

Kansas drivers between the age of 21 and 64 receive a driving license that is valid for 6 years. Drivers who are 65 years of age or older can renew it for 4 years. At the time their current drivers license expires, they are generally required to renew their license in person at a local DMV Office. When renewing their driving permit, all senior drivers must undergo a vision test to ensure they are able to safely operate a motor vehicle. In addition, if senior drivers haven’t had their vision checked recently, or believe their eyesight to have worsened, we recommend making an appointment with a vision specialist before visiting the DMV. Senior drivers will also be required to take an open book examination relating to traffic signals and laws (we recommend reviewing the Kansas Driving Handbook and taking practice tests beforehand to pass the exam). They will also need to have a new photograph taken and provide a signature.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

There are a variety of reasons why your Kansas drivers license might be suspended or revoked. Some are related to specific traffic violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The Kansas DMV may suspend your drivers license for violations such as:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs.
• Speeding and reckless driving.
• Fleeing the scene of an accident.
• Driving with a suspended license or no license.
• Driving without car insurance.
• Physical or psychological disqualification.
• Not responding to a Division of Motor Vehicles notice or not appearing in court.
• Failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges.
• Using your vehicle to commit a felony.

The duration of your driving license suspension and your reinstatement requirements will depend on your offense.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor in Kansas. Driving on a suspended /revoked drivers license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to five years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the original suspension on your driving license.

In addition, you may be required to pay higher reinstatement fees, while if you are receive a Driving while suspended /revoked conviction, you will need to maintain proof of auto insurance (SR-22) with the Driver Control Bureau for a period of twelve months.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

The replacement fee for any type of KS drivers license or driving permit is $16.00. ($8.00 license fee plus the $8.00 photo fee). You can pay the fee at KS DOR near you if you are replacing your driving license in person. If you are currently out of state, you can pay the replacement fee by fax or mail along with the completed application form.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

The fees to reinstate your suspended drivers license will vary depending on the circumstances of your offense. These are the Kansas DOR fees that may be directly related to your suspension:

• $8 fee for license re-issuance
• $12 fee for Class C license
• $100 to $1,000 fee for failing or refusing a BAC test (depending on the number of offenses you ve had)

Contact the Kansas DMV for the exact reinstatement fees that apply to your situation.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

The state of Kansas does not allow the issuance of a hardship license that would allow a person to drive on a suspended drivers license and revoked driving license or during the length of their cancellation or disqualification period.

Nevertheless, restricted driving permits may be ordered by the court. A district or municipal court may enter an order restricting the person s driving privileges to driving only under the following circumstances:

• In going to or returning from the person s place of employment or schooling,
• In the course of the person s employment;
• During a medical emergency;
• At such times of the day and as may be specified by the order.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one business day before retaking the test. In the state of Kansas you have four chances to pass the on-road exam. After the fourth failure, you must wait a minimum of six months before retesting. Driving license applicants are strongly recommended to practice basic driving maneuvers, such as left and right turns, backing, parking, passing and more before taking or retaking the DMV drivers test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

When applying for a Kansas Driver’s License you must present documents that prove:

• Identity (name and date of birth), such as birth certificate, permanent resident card, U.S. citizenship certificate;
• Lawful Status in the United States, such as U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa, valid employment authorized card;
• Kansas residency, such as recent utility bill, bank statement, insurance card;
• Proof of Valid Social Security Number (SSN), such as Social Security card, current W-2 Form or current 1099 Form.

Note: If you do not have a social security number, you must provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

When renewing your Kansas drivers license, you need to present the following documents:

• Your expiring license
• Proof of identification, such as:
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• original documents to establish Kansas residency, such as:
  • recent utility bill
  • recent W-2 form
  • Letter from social welfare institution
• Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or a document proving your lawful presence in the U.S., such as:
  • passport with I-94
  • I-551 Resident Alien card
  • Current 1099 Form

All presented documents must be original or certified copies, photocopies are not accepted.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

When applying for a duplicate drivers permit, you must provide the following documents:

• Two original documents proving identity, such as:
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • Unexpired United States Passport or Passport Card
  • U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Certificate of Naturalization
• At least one original document proving Kansas residency, such as:
  • Utility Bill or equivalent electronic notice, not more than two months old
  • Mail from a financial institution (i.e. monthly bank statement)
  • Educational institution transcript forms or grade cards for current school year
  • W-2 Form, 1099 Form, or similar notice from employer, not more than 12 months old
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as:
  • Social Security Card showing current full name
  • Current W-2 Form
  • Current 1099 Form

In addition, make sure bring the correct fee before heading out to your local KS DMV.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

Although license practice tests might be available in languages other than English, the road sign portion of the Kansas written exam will still be in English. As signs on the road are written in English, at least basic knowledge of the English language is required of all drivers. In preparation for the drivers license test, study the KS Drivers Manual, consider participating in a drivers education course or enlisting the aid of an interpreter in your language.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

Failure to renew your driving permit after the expiration date, will result in a penalty of $1 being imposed thereafter. Furthermore, you might be issued a traffic ticket if a law enforcement officer pulls you over while driving on an expired drivers license.

Note that even if you do not receive a renewal notice by mail, it is your responsibility to check the status of your Kansas driving license. You can do so at Your Kansas Driving Record.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

If you have not received your renewed driving license, you should contact the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles. You can do by calling their toll-free number (785) 296-3963 and checking the status of your KS drivers license renewal application.

If you prefer, you could also visit the KS DMV in person. To find a DMV near you, use our DMV locator.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

To obtain a new drivers license in the state of Kansas you must pass three tests:

• Vision All driver license applicants will have their vision screened at the Driver Licensing Station, or present a Driver Licensing eye examination form (vision form visit www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/visform.pdf to download the form) completed in the last 90 days by a licensed Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. When this form is returned to the Kansas DOR, the Driver Licensing may issue the driving license or require further testing, depending on the results of the exam.
• Written– The main purpose of the written knowledge test is to make sure drivers have the information needed to drive safely. The written drivers test consists of 25 multiple choice questions on Kansas traffic laws and road signs. You will be required to answer questions about traffic regulations and identify certain signs by their shape, color, or the symbol appearing on them. Driving permit applicants are strongly recommended to review the Kansas Driver s Handbook as all the questions included in the examination are based on information provided in that manual.
• Driving The on-road driving exam will test your ability to safely handle a motor vehicle on public roads. During the test, the examiner will be scoring you on specific driving maneuvers as well as on your general driving behavior. In order to successfully complete the driving test, practice driving in low traveled, residential areas with a licensed adult. In addition, all new drivers are encouraged to take driver s education classes so as to feel confident when driving in a variety of traffic situations. Furthermore, you will need to provide your own vehicle for the examination and show proof of auto insurance.

All the examinations (eye, written and on-road) can be taken at any Full Service Driver License Center. If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake them the next day. However, if you fail one or both of the exams four times, you will have to wait for at least six months before trying again.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

To get a Non-commercial drivers license you can apply for a Class A, B, C or M. The following age requirements and additional restrictions apply to each type of Non-commercial driving licenses:

Non-Commercial Class A or B: 18 years of age or older

Non-Commercial Class C: 17 years of age or older

Non-Commercial Class C (Restricted): 15 years of age, completed drivers training school, completed (25 of the) 50 hours of practice driving while accompanied by an adult, 21 years of age or older, 10 of those 50 at night.

Non-Commercial Class C or M: 16 years of age, completed 50 hours of (Less Restricted Privileges): practice driving while accompanied by an adult, 21 years of age or older; 10 of those at night

Non-Commercial Class C (Farm Permit): 14 or 15 years of age

Non-Commercial Class C (Less Restricted Farm Permit): 16 years of age, completed 50 hours of practice driving while accompanied by an adult, 21 years of age or older; 10 of those at night.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

You can reinstate your Kansas suspended drivers license as soon as your suspension is over. Note that reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the reason for your drivers license suspension.

You will receive a notice from the KS DMV after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how reinstate your driving license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

Your Kansas driving license generally expired on your birthday. If you are under 21 years of age, your drivers permit will expire on your 21st birthday. If you are older than 21 but younger than 65, your KS drivers license is valid for six years, whereas if you are 65 or older, you driving license is valid for four years. The Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles will send a renewal notice by mail at least 30 days before your current KS drivers license expires. It is strongly recommended that you all Kansas drivers renew their driving permits before the expiration date as failure to do so may result in fines and/or penalties. You can renew your license any time two years prior to its expiration.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

You will obtain a KS duplicate driving license after you have visited a DOR location and provided all the necessary documentation. Contact the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles for information on when you will be able to receive your drivers license replacement. You can do so by calling the toll-free number (785) 296-3963 or visiting a local DOR office in person. Find a KS DOR location near you by using our DMV locator. If you are currently out of state and have applied for a duplicate drivers license, it will be mailed to the address you give on the appropriate application form. Delivery time will vary depending on your location.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kansas Driver’s License or ID Card

The Kansas DMV maintains a record of your driving history. Your Kansas DOR driving record contains information about your traffic violations and convictions, traffic accidents and suspension, revocation, or cancellation of your drivers license.

You can check the status of your driving record and get a copy by going to any Driver License Exam Station in Kansas. You will need to show your current driving license for identification and make a $10 payment. You can also send a written request with your full name, driver’s license number, date of birth and current address along with your $10 payment to:

Driver Solutions Bureau,

P.O. Box 12021,

Topeka,

In addition, you now have access to view and securely pay for your driving record online at 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fee for purchasing a driving record online is $8.70.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kansas

You can get a new drivers license at any Drivers License Exam Station in Kansas after you have successfully completed the required exams. 104 out of 105 counties in Kansas offer some sort of driving license service. However, keep in mind that different Exam Stations offer different services and have different timings. Make sure you check the hours and services offered at your preferential station before visiting the site in person.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kansas

Yes, upon arriving at your drivers license renewal appointment you will be required to take a vision exam. Alternatively, you can present a Vision Report completed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist administered within the last 90 days. The state of Kansas requires vision to be at least 20/40 in one eye when screened at the Driver s License Exam Station. If corrective lenses are required to meet this standard then a restriction will be placed on the drivers license and the driver will be required to wear corrective lenses when driving.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas

Yes, the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles will send a renewal notice at least 30 days before your drivers license expires. However, you can renew your license any time two years prior to its expiration. Keep in mind that even if you do not receive a renewal notice by mail, it is still your responsibility to check the status of your Kansas driving license and renew it before it expires. Also make sure that you have all the necessary documents and applicable fees before filing your drivers license renewal application.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kansas