Welcome to the Sunflower State! As a new Kansas resident, one of your first priorities is to become a licensed driver. You have 90 days from the day you move to transfer your valid out-of-state driver’s license to a new Kansas license.
This guide will give you the perfect, step-by-step solution. But first, you must understand the most important rule about the Kansas “DMV”:
STOP! The Most Important Kansas Rule:
Getting your license and registering your car are two separate processes done at two different government offices. You must visit them in the correct order.
- YOUR CAR: Handled by your local County Treasurer’s Office.
- YOUR LICENSE: Handled by the State Driver’s License (DOV) Office.
This guide will show you the correct sequence to get everything done in just two office visits.
The great news is that Kansas makes the license transfer easy. If you are surrendering a valid, unexpired license from any other U.S. state, you DO NOT have to retake the written knowledge test or the road test.
How To Do The Transfer of Your Out-of-State License to Kansas
For a smooth transition, you must complete these three steps in this specific order.
Step 1: Get a Vehicle Inspection (MVE-1 Form)
Before you can register your car, you must get it inspected at a Kansas Highway Patrol inspection station. This is a simple check to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your car matches your out-of-state title. You will receive a signed MVE-1 form, which is required for the next step.
Step 2: Register Your Car at the County Treasurer’s Office
Your first office visit is to your local County Treasurer’s Office. Here, you will get your Kansas license plates and registration.
- What to Bring to the County Treasurer:
- Your out-of-state vehicle title.
- The completed MVE-1 inspection form.
- Proof of your current Kansas auto insurance.
- Payment for taxes and fees.
Step 3: Transfer Your License at the State DOV Office
Your second and final office visit is to a State Driver’s License (DOV) Office. After you have registered your car, you can now get your Kansas driver’s license. You must book an appointment online for this visit.
What Are The Required Documents For Kansas Driver’s License
This is the most important part of your second office visit. You must bring original documents (no photocopies) to your appointment. The best way to be prepared is to gather the full REAL ID checklist.
You will need one document from each category below.
1. Your Out-of-State License
- You must be prepared to physically surrender your current, valid license from your previous state.
2. Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence (1 Document)
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
- U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
- Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)
- Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
3. Proof of Social Security Number (1 Document)
- Original Social Security Card (cannot be laminated)
- W-2 or 1099 Form (must show your full SSN)
- Paystub (must show your full name and full SSN)
4. Proof of Kansas Residency (2 Documents)
- You must bring TWO recent (issued within 60 days) pieces of mail from different sources that show your name and new Kansas address.
- Examples: Utility bill, lease/rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or an official letter from a government agency.
5. Proof of Name Change (If Applicable)
- If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate (e.g., due to marriage), you mustbring the legal document that links the names, such as a certified Marriage Certificate or a court-ordered name change decree.
How to Book Your Appointment & Complete the Transfer
Step 1: Schedule Your DOV Appointment ONLINE This is a mandatory step. You cannot walk into a State Driver’s License office. Appointments fill up weeks or even months in advance, so book this as soon as you know you’re moving.
- Go to the official Kansas DOV Appointment Portal.
- Select the service: “Out of State Transfer.”
- Choose a convenient office location and book the first available date.
Step 2: Go to Your Appointment Arrive at the State DOV office at your scheduled time with all your documents from the checklist above. A licensing examiner will:
- Review and verify all of your documents.
- Take your new photo.
- Administer a simple vision test.
- Take your fingerprints and signature.
Step 3: Pay the Fee and Get Your Temporary License You will pay the license fee (typically $31 – $43 for a standard adult license) and surrender your out-of-state license. The examiner will then print and hand you a temporary paper driver’s license. This is your legal license to drive until your permanent, plastic card arrives in the mail in about 10-15 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You have 90 days to transfer your driver’s licenseand 90 days to register your vehicle after moving to Kansas. It is best to do both as soon as possible.
No. As long as you are surrendering a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state, Kansas waives both the written knowledge test and the road test. You only need to pass the vision screening.
YES. State Driver’s License offices are by appointment only. You will be turned away without one.
The process is similar. If you have a valid license from Canada, France, Germany, or South Korea, the driving test is also waived. All other foreign nationals will need to take all tests and provide proof of lawful presence.
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