Kansas Driver's License

Non-Commercial Driver's Licenses

In Kansas, non-commercial driver's licenses are issued to individuals who operate standard passenger vehicles for personal use rather than business purposes. The non-commercial driver's licenses in the state include:

Class C

A regular Class C driver's license in Kansas is necessary for operating standard cars and vehicles. This license allows the holder to drive any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds.

With a Class C driver's license in Kansas, individuals can operate passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, vans, and smaller recreational vehicles.

Class B

This non-commercial driver's license in Kansas permits the operation of any single vehicle GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. It also allows for towing another vehicle, provided the towed vehicle's GVWR does not exceed 10,000 pounds.

Class A

Class A non-commercial driver's license in Kansas is required for operating combinations of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more. It also allows towing if the vehicle or vehicles being towed have a GCWR exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class M

A Class M license permits the holder to operate mopeds and motorcycles with an engine capacity exceeding 130 cc.

Commercial Driver's Licenses

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) in Kansas are specific for individuals who operate commercial vehicles. These are categorized into different classes based on the type and weight of the vehicle being operated.

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is required for operating a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more. It also allows the towing of another vehicle, provided that the vehicle or vehicles being towed have a GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class B CDL

This CDL allows the driving of a single vehicle with a GVWR of over 26,001 pounds and the towing of another vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.

Class C CDL

Drivers operating single vehicles with a GVWR below 26,001 pounds and vehicles towing another vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds need a Class C CDL.

This license is also required for operating a vehicle with a GVWR below 26,001 pounds who are towing another vehicle with a GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds, provided that the GCWR of the combination remains below 26,001 pounds.

Class C CDL also allows the operation of vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles utilized in transporting hazardous materials.

Documentary Requirements

Applicants must gather various documents when obtaining a standard driver's license in Kansas.

Firstly, proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful US citizenship status is essential. This can be provided through documents like a Certificate of Live Birth, U.S. Passport, or Citizenship Certificate. Similarly, non-US citizens must present proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful status or presence, which may include a Valid Resident Card or valid foreign passport.

Moreover, demonstrating Kansas residency is obligatory, and applicants can use diverse documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements to meet this requirement.

Proof of a Social Security number is also necessary, along with any relevant legal name change documentation if applicable. For individuals who have completed driver's education, presenting the certificate is mandatory.

Before visiting a DOR licensing station, applicants must ensure they possess all the correct documents. Providing original copies is important, as faxed, electronic, photo-copied, or laminated versions will not be accepted.

Navigate the Proof of Identity page on the KS DOR official website to learn more about the acceptable documents when applying for a driver's license in Kansas.

Instructional Permit

Individuals must first apply for an instructional permit to obtain a driver's license in Kansas. This permit allows the operation of a vehicle in the state with certain restrictions.

Applicants must be at least 14 years old to be eligible for an instructional permit. If found eligible, interested individuals can initiate the process by visiting a local KS DOR or DOV office.

During the visit, proof of identity and Kansas residency are required. If applicants are 14 or 15 years old, they must also obtain parental or guardians' approval.

Once the documents are submitted, individuals must pass a vision and written exam and pay the necessary fee to obtain the permit.

With the instructional permit obtained, applicants can practice driving a vehicle, but they must follow some restrictions. These include:

• Be supervised by a driver who is at least 21 years old.
• No one is allowed to have anyone other than their driving supervisor in the front passenger seat.
• Using a mobile phone is prohibited, except in cases where illegal activity or an emergency needs to be reported.

Applicants who are 15 years old must complete 25 hours of driving practice before they can progress to a restricted driver's license. After fulfilling the behind-the-wheel requirement and holding the learner's permit for a year, individuals can apply for their intermediate restricted driver's license.

Kansas Graduated Driver's License Program

The Kansas Graduated Driver's License program is designed to provide teen drivers between the ages of 14 and 17 with increased driving privileges as they gain age and experience.

To begin, aspiring drivers must obtain an instructional permit, which involves completing a similar process to the one mentioned above. They must also follow the restrictions and requirements mentioned above.

Once applicants turn 15 and fulfill the permit requirement, they can apply for a provisional license.

With a provisional license, teen drivers can only drive when accompanied by an adult at least 21 with a valid driver's license. They can only travel between home and school for work or farm-related purposes.

During this phase, young drivers must complete 25 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night. Also, they cannot have non-sibling passengers or use a cell phone for non-emergency purposes.

When young applicants turn 16, some restrictions are lifted. They can drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. to and from work, school, or religious services with one non-sibling passenger under 18 years old. Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, except for emergencies, is still prohibited.

Finally, teen drivers are eligible for an unrestricted driver's license at 17 or after having a restricted license for six months. To apply, they must provide proper identification, complete a 50-hour Affidavit, pass the vision and driving tests, and pay the necessary fee.

Driver's License Tests

The Kansas DOV requires license applicants to undergo a series of tests. These examinations evaluate the applicant's readiness and competence to operate a motor vehicle safely on public roads.

Typically, the application process has three main components: a vision exam, a knowledge exam, and a road test.

Vision Exam

All individuals applying for a driver's license in the state must undergo a vision exam. This vision screening is conducted at any DOR licensing station.

During the screening, applicants must have a vision of at least 20/40 in one eye. If corrective lenses are needed to meet this standard, a restriction will be imposed on the driver's license. In such cases, the applicant will be required to wear corrective lenses whenever they are operating a vehicle.

Those who do not meet the vision requirements during the initial screening can take the Driver Licensing Eye Examination Form to a licensed Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. The eye care professional must complete the form within 90 days of the exam.

Upon submission of the completed form to the DOR licensing station, the department or the DOV will review the results and determine whether to issue the driver's license or require further testing based on the examination outcome.

Knowledge Exam

Another exam that applicants must pass when obtaining a driver's license in Kansas is the knowledge exam. This test is administered at any DOR licensing station and online.

The knowledge exam evaluates an applicant's understanding of the state's traffic laws and road signs. It consists of 25 written questions covering various aspects of traffic regulations and also requires the identification of specific signs based on their shape, color, or symbol.

To pass the exam, individuals must answer at least 20 questions correctly. In the event of a failure, applicants can retake the test on the next working day by paying a re-exam fee of $1.50. They may also choose to wait longer to study the driver's handbook before attempting the test again.

Note that applicants are given four attempts to pass the written exam. If an individual fails the test for the fourth time, they must wait at least six months from their most recent failed attempt before being eligible for retesting.

Road Exam

The road test is the final exam applicants must pass for a Kansas driver's license. This evaluation involves navigating a designated route under the supervision of a DOR examiner.

Applicants must schedule a road test appointment online, as the DOR or DOV does not accept walk-ins. They must also bring the vehicle they will use for the test, which must have valid registration and insurance and be in good condition (the examiner will inspect it before the test).

During the test proper, the examiner will assess the applicant based on various vehicle maneuvers.

If an applicant fails the road test, they can retake it the next working day after paying a re-exam fee of $1.50. However, if they fail the test four times, they must wait at least six months from the most recent failed exam before being eligible to retest.

Kansas Driver's License Fees

The total cost of obtaining a regular driver's license is $29 in Kansas. This fee covers the issuance, testing, and photo fees. Note that this fee can vary based on factors such as the applicant's age, whether testing is required, and the type of license being obtained.

Refer to this Driver's License Fee Chart for detailed fee information. For the accepted payment methods, contact a DOR station.

To get more information about obtaining a Kansas driver's license, check the Kansas Driving Handbook. Meanwhile, those interested in obtaining a state CLD or motorcycle license can study the Kansas Commercial Driver's License Manual or Kansas Motorcycle Handbook, respectively.

Kansas Driver's License Renewal

Renewing a driver's license in Kansas is straightforward. The Kansas DOR sends renewal notices to drivers at least 30 days before expiration. If a driver does not receive the renewal form, it is their obligation to ensure timely renewal. Individuals can renew a license online, by mail, and in person.

The online renewal is processed through iKan Services. However, this convenient option applies solely to those who meet the system requirements.

If a person is temporarily outside Kansas or the country, they can renew their license by mail. To do so, they must mail a completed Kansas Driver's License Extension or Replacement Form and the necessary fees to the following address:

Meanwhile, those who prefer renewing in person must visit the local DOR station. They must also provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Kansas residency.

During the visit, a vision exam will be conducted. If the license being renewed is expired or suspended, a driving exam will be required. Finally, a photograph and signature will be taken, and the necessary renewal fees must be paid.

Kansas Driver's License Replacement

Replacing a license in Kansas is also straightforward. However, it requires an in-person visit, and the applicant must not:

• Surrendered the license for an alcohol-related offense
• Issued a temporary driver's license
• Have a revocation, suspension, or cancellation order

If the above conditions are satisfied, individuals can visit a DOR office and provide the following:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency
• Proof of Social Security number
• Payment of replacement fee

Upon providing the required documents and fees, individuals will receive a temporary receipt to drive legally on the roads while waiting for the replacement license to arrive by mail.