To receive a non-restricted driver’s license in Kansas, you must be 17 years or older and have proof of identity. You will need to go to a local DMV to take a vision, written, and driving test (or present documentation proving completion of a driver education program).

Obtaining a driver's license opens an unlimited number of opportunities, but it can be difficult figuring out what’s required of you to get to that point. Because of that, the

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down below.)

What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Kansas?

Kansas residents can begin operating a vehicle as young as 14. However, to have an unrestricted driver’s license, you will need to be at least 17 years old.

Along with being old enough, applicants for an unrestricted driver’s license must have the following documentation before going to their local DMV:

Proof of lawful presence—certificate of citizenship, passport, or birth certificate

Two proofs of Kansas residency—car insurance/utility bill, lease/mortgage agreement, or W-2/1099 form

Proof of a Social Security number—W-2/1099 form, pay stub with your full SSN, Social Security card

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What are the requirements for young drivers?

Kansas residents can apply for a restricted driver’s license as young as 15 years old and then transition to a less-restricted license at the age of 16.

Along with parental approval, applicants must also:

Pass a vision test at 15 years old and a written and driving test at 16 years old

Complete a driver education course

Hold an instruction permit for at least a year

Have a 25-hour affidavit (15 years old) or 50-hour affidavit (16 years old)

Maintain a clean driving record

At the age of 17 or older, you only need to pass vision, written, and driving tests to receive an unrestricted driver’s license. You can forgo the driving test if you present a certificate of completion from a driver's education program.

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

If you have moved to Kansas and need to replace your out-of-state driver’s license, the process is very simple.

So long as your previous driver’s license has not been canceled, suspended, or revoked, you will need to:

Present a valid ID

Provide proof of residency

Pass a vision test

Pay the applicable fee: 65 years old or older—$20; 21 to 64 years old—$26; under 21 years old—$11

If your out-of-state license has been expired for one year or less, you may need to take a written test in addition to the other requirements listed above. If your previous license has been expired for more than a year, you will also have to take a driving test.

Keep in mind that you are exempt from the out-of-state driving requirements if you are:

In the military

A full-time college student or visitor with a current driver’s license in your home state/country

You are a foreigner with valid immigration documents

MORE:

Seat-belt laws in Kansas

How to get a driver’s license in Kansas

The application process for a Kansas driver’s license is fairly straightforward. Along with presenting the required documentation, you’ll have to take a few tests to show that you are physically capable of safely operating a vehicle and understand basic traffic laws.

Vision test

You’ll start the testing process with a simple vision test.

Kansas requires drivers to have a minimum of 20/60 vision in at least one eye. It does not matter if you meet this requirement with or without corrective glasses/contacts. However, you will be required to wear your corrective glasses/contacts if you use them to pass your vision test.

Knowledge exam

The next step towards getting your driver’s license will be a written test.

The test is made up of 25 multiple-choice questions, which cover information in the Kansas Driver’s Manual. You will need a score of 80% or better to pass.

If you want to get a feel for the kinds of questions you may have to answer, take an online practice test. They’re freely available and can help ensure you pass your test on the first attempt.

Road test

The last test you’ll need to take before getting your driver’s license is a driving test.

You will need to provide a vehicle for this portion of the application process, so don’t forget to bring one!

During your test, the examiner will be grading you on your ability to operate the vehicle safely and how well you follow the traffic laws.

In some cases, you may be able to skip this step by providing a certificate of completion from an approved driver education program.

Once you’ve finished the tests and passed with flying colors, you’ll wrap it all up by submitting your documents and paying your fee (see above for the fee that applies to your age bracket). MORE:

Kansas car insurance laws—all you need to know

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How to save money on car insurance in Kansas

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FAQs

What do I need for a Kansas driver’s license?

To apply for a Kansas driver’s license, you need proof of lawful presence, two proofs of Kansas residency, and proof of a Social Security number.

How much does it cost to get a Kansas driver’s license?

The fee for a Kansas driver’s license depends on your age:

65 years old or older: $20

21 to 64 years old: $26

Under 21 years old: $11

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