Kansas Driver's License
Requirements
In Kansas, driver's licenses are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles (KS DOR).
Kansas Driver's License: Quick Answers
- How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Kansas?
- You can apply for a learner's permit at 14. Applicants under 18 go through Kansas's graduated licensing steps; the full process is in the step-by-step guide below.
- How much does a Kansas driver's license cost?
- About $36 for the permit and first license, and the license lasts 6 years. At $26, Kansas's license fee is lower than in 35 other states. The national median is $34. See every fee →
- What do you need to bring to the Kansas licensing office?
- 8 documents, including proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence and Social Security number. Full document list →
- How long does it take to get a Kansas driver's license?
- 12–24 months for under-18 applicants on the standard track (1-year permit + 50 supervised hours). Adults 18+ typically complete the process in 1–3 weeks.
- Moving to Kansas — can you keep your old license?
- New Kansas residents must transfer their license within 90 days. Visit any Kansas Driver License office with your old license, identity documents, SSN, and 2 KS residency documents. Transfer rules for all 50 states →
Which situation are you in?
How Licensing Works in Kansas
In Kansas, driver's licenses are issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles (KS DOR). The standard non-commercial credential is a Class C Driver's License. Kansas operates a multi-stage Graduated Driver License (GDL) program: a Farm Permit (Restricted Class C) at 14 for rural-resident applicants, an Instruction Permit at 14 for general applicants, an Unrestricted Class C at 16 with night and passenger restrictions, and a full Class C License at 17. Kansas is famous for its "farm permit" — issued to applicants 14+ who live on a farm or ranch — which allows limited driving for agricultural purposes and to/from school. Driver Education is not state-mandated, but completion qualifies for an insurance discount and reduces the supervised-driving requirement. Kansas issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The KS DOR operates over 90 driver license offices statewide, and most renewals can be completed online at iKan.ks.gov.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Kansas resident. The KS DOR requires two documents proving Kansas residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 90 days of establishing residency. Kansas does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Kansas DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Kansas residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current KS vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent (Form DE-99) signed in person at the office — required for applicants under 18
- For Farm Permit (14+): proof that the applicant or family lives on a farm/ranch and the permit is needed for agricultural purposes
- Driving Practice Log (Form DE-29) signed by parent confirming 50 supervised hours
- Vehicle for road test with valid KS registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Kansas DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Kansas driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Decide Your Path: Farm Permit at 14, Standard Permit at 14, or Wait Until 15
Kansas offers three GDL paths. Path A: Farm Permit at 14 (Restricted Class C) for rural-resident applicants who need to drive for agricultural work or to/from school. Path B: Standard Instruction Permit at 14 — general applicants must hold for at least 1 year. Path C: Standard Instruction Permit at 15 with a 6-month holding period if Driver Education is completed. Most Kansas teens use Path B or C.
Study the Kansas Driver's Handbook
Download the current Kansas Driver's Handbook from ksrevenue.gov. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering KS traffic laws, road signs, severe-weather (tornado) safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (20 correct) to pass.
Apply for an Instruction Permit at 14 or 15
Visit any Kansas Driver License office with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $10 fee ($2 plus the $8 photo fee). Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Instruction Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat. The Farm Permit (Restricted Class C) allows limited solo driving for agricultural purposes and to/from school within a 25-mile radius of the family farm.
Pro tip: Use iKan.ks.gov to check office wait times and to schedule appointments — small-town offices typically have appointments within 1 week.
Log 50 Supervised Hours (10 at Night)
During the Instruction Permit period, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — using the Kansas Driving Practice Log (Form DE-29). The supervising driver must be 21+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry.
Hold Permit for 6–12 Months
Kansas requires a 12-month Instruction Permit period if you applied at 14, OR a 6-month period if you applied at 15+ AND completed Driver Education. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Skills (Drive) Test at 16
Schedule the drive test through iKan.ks.gov. Bring your Instruction Permit, signed driving log, parent consent (Form DE-99), Driver Education certificate (if applicable), vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city/freeway driving.
Receive the Restricted Class C License at 16
Pay the $2 license fee + $8 photo fee. The Kansas Restricted Class C License has restrictions: no driving 9pm–5am unless going to/from work or school. No more than ONE non-family passenger under 18 at any time. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited.
Upgrade to Full Class C at 17
On the 17th birthday — after at least 1 year on the Restricted Class C with no convictions — the license automatically becomes a full Class C Driver's License. Standard 6-year renewal cycle begins ($26 including the photo fee); restrictions lift completely. Drivers 65+ renew every 4 years for $18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas's Farm Permit (Restricted Class C License) is a uniquely permissive credential issued to applicants 14+ who live on a farm or ranch. The permit allows limited solo driving for agricultural purposes and to/from school within a 25-mile radius of the family farm — even before reaching the standard licensing age. The permit cannot be used for personal trips, work outside agriculture, or recreational driving. About 1,500 Kansas farm permits are issued each year, primarily in rural counties.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Kansas DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.