In Kansas, like in many other states, senior drivers are required to renew their driver’s license at regular intervals. However, as people age, the process and requirements for license renewal can differ. For seniors, understanding the renewal process and special conditions for getting a driver’s license is essential to ensure continued driving privileges and maintain safety on the road.
Here’s what you need to know about license renewal for seniors in Kansas:
When Do Seniors Need to Renew Their Driver’s License?
In Kansas, the license renewal period depends on the driver’s age:
For drivers under 65 years old: The license is typically renewed every 6 years.
For drivers 65 years and older: The license must be renewed every 4 years.
So, if you’re a senior (age 65 or older), you’ll need to renew your Kansas driver’s license more frequently than younger drivers. This renewal requirement applies to both regular driver’s licenses and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
How Do Seniors Renew Their Driver’s License in Kansas?
Kansas offers multiple ways for seniors to renew their driver’s license, but there are some age-specific conditions to be aware of:
1. In-Person Renewal
Senior drivers must renew their license in person at a Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office if they are age 65 or older.
Seniors will need to pass a vision test during the renewal process. The vision test ensures that the driver is able to see clearly enough to operate a vehicle safely.
If the vision test is failed, seniors may be asked to provide a report from an eye care professional before the license can be renewed.
Additionally, seniors might be required to take a road test or written test if the DMV believes it’s necessary based on their medical or driving history. This can happen if there’s concern about their ability to drive safely.
2. Online Renewal
As of 2025, Kansas does allow seniors to renew their driver’s license online in some cases, but only if:
The senior is under 75 years old.
The senior’s license is not expired.
There are no changes to the senior’s personal information, such as a change of address or name.
If a senior qualifies for online renewal, they will receive an email from the Kansas DMV with instructions to complete the renewal process online. The renewal fee can be paid online, and the new license will be mailed to the address on file.
3. Mail-in Renewal
For certain seniors, Kansas offers the option to renew a driver’s license by mail under specific conditions, such as:
If the senior is 70 years old or older and is unable to visit the DMV in person due to medical or health reasons.
The senior must request this option by mail by contacting the Kansas DMV.
Note: Not all seniors will qualify for mail-in renewal, and the DMV may require additional documentation to process the request.
Required Documents for License Renewal
When renewing a driver’s license in Kansas, seniors will need to bring several important documents with them:
Proof of Identity: A birth certificate, passport, or social security card may be required to confirm identity.
Proof of Residency: A utility bill or bank statement may be requested to verify the senior’s current address.
Vision Test Results: Seniors may need to show proof of a recent eye exam if they’ve had difficulty passing the vision test at the DMV.
License Renewal Fees for Seniors
Seniors in Kansas will be required to pay the standard license renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license:
Standard driver’s license: Approximately $20 for a 4-year renewal.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL): Fees vary depending on the type of CDL and endorsements.
Medical Conditions and Driver’s License Renewal
For seniors with medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive, such as vision impairments, memory loss, or other health concerns, the Kansas DMV has guidelines in place. Seniors are encouraged to inform the DMV about any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive safely.
If a senior is diagnosed with a medical condition that affects their driving, they may be asked to submit a medical evaluation or driving test to determine if they are still fit to drive.
Medical Reporting: The Kansas DMV allows doctors, family members, and even concerned citizens to report individuals who may not be capable of driving safely. This can lead to a review of the individual’s driving abilities, and in some cases, the DMV may require the driver to take a road test or vision exam.
What to Do if You Have a License Expiration Reminder
Kansas sends a license expiration reminder to drivers around 60 days before their license expires. Seniors should pay attention to this reminder and ensure they meet the necessary requirements for their license renewal on time. If a senior misses the renewal deadline, they may have to pay additional fees or take a driving test when renewing the license.
Driving Safety Tips for Seniors
As seniors continue to drive, it’s important to stay safe on the road. Here are a few driving safety tips for seniors:
Regular eye exams: Make sure to have regular eye check-ups to ensure your vision is sharp enough for driving.
Stay active: Keeping physically and mentally active can help maintain the necessary skills for driving.
Review medications: Some medications can affect your ability to drive. Always check with your doctor about how any prescribed medications may impact your driving.
Avoid driving in challenging conditions: If it’s dark, rainy, or snowy, consider not driving, or plan trips during daylight and good weather.
In Kansas, seniors are required to renew their driver’s license every 4 years. Whether you renew online, in person, or by mail, it’s important to understand the requirements, including vision tests and potential road tests. Keeping your medical records up to date and staying informed about the latest DMV procedures will ensure you stay safe on the road and avoid unnecessary delays in the renewal process.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovrenewingdl.html
[2] https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
[3] https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovrealid.html
[4] https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/6-tips-elderly-drivers-license-renewals
[5] https://www.highpointeins.com/blog/kansas-driving-laws-for-senior-citizens/
