How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Kansas

Moving within Kansas means updating your address with the state so your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and official notices stay accurate. This guide walks through how a Kansas DMV change of address works, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems.

Kansas State Verification: Who Handles What?

In Kansas, DMV‑type services are handled by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), Division of Vehicles.

Depending on what you need, you may deal with:

  • Driver’s license services – usually at driver’s license exam stations or full‑service county offices
  • Vehicle registration and titles – usually at your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office

In Kansas, driver’s license/ID address changes and vehicle registration/title address changes are handled through related but distinct processes. That means:

  • Updating the address on your Kansas driver’s license or ID does not automatically update your:
    • Vehicle registration records
    • Vehicle title mailing address
  • Updating your vehicle registration address does not automatically change your:
    • Driver’s license address

Many drivers in Kansas find that they must complete two separate updates: one for their license/ID and one for their vehicle records, even if they’re done on the same state website or at the same county building.

Because services are split:

  • Check whether your county office handles both driver’s license and motor vehicle services in one location.
  • If not, you may need to visit or contact two different offices in your county in Kansas—one for licensing, one for registration.

To avoid going to the wrong place, it’s often best to start with the official Kansas Department of Revenue website and use its office locator or service descriptions, or search for “Kansas driver’s license office” plus your county.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Kansas

Keeping your address up to date with the Kansas Division of Vehicles is about more than just your card looking current. In Kansas, this is typically handled to ensure:

  • Your driver’s license or ID is valid and accurate
    • Law enforcement and other agencies rely on the address printed on your Kansas license.
  • Vehicle registration and title records are correct
    • Your county uses your address to determine where your vehicle is registered and which taxes and fees apply.
  • Official notices reach you
    • Renewal reminders
    • Suspension or reinstatement notices
    • Insurance verification issues
    • Emissions or inspection‑related notices (if applicable in your area)

If your address is wrong:

  • You might miss renewal deadlines, which can lead to expired registration or license.
  • You may not receive important legal or administrative notices sent by the state of Kansas.
  • Depending on your situation, you could face tickets or enforcement issues if your license or registration appears out of compliance.

For many residents in Kansas, a correct address on file also matters for:

  • Voter registration (if you opted to register to vote through the DMV; some updates may be shared)
  • Potential jury duty notifications
  • County‑based programs or local taxes tied to your vehicle

What You’ll Need for a Kansas DMV Change of Address

You generally won’t need a long list of documents just to change your address, but there are certain standard pieces of information you should have ready. Requirements can vary depending on whether you’re changing your license address, your vehicle registration address, or both.

Common Information

Have this information handy for a DMV change of address Kansas:

  • Full legal name (as it appears on your Kansas license or ID)
  • Date of birth
  • Kansas driver’s license or ID number
  • Social Security number (full or last 4 digits, depending on the system)
  • Old address currently on file
  • New physical address in Kansas
    • If you use a P.O. box, you may also need your physical residence address
  • Contact information
    • Phone number
    • Email address (especially if updating online)

For vehicle address changes:

  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (often found on your registration card or insurance)
  • Current registration details (year/make/model)

Depending on your county in Kansas, you may be asked for additional verification to protect your record from unauthorized changes.

When You May Need Supporting Documents

Kansas sometimes requires or requests documentation to confirm identity and residency, especially if:

  • You are doing an in‑person transaction
  • You are also renewing or replacing your license
  • You are changing more than just your address (for example, upgrading to a Real ID‑compliant credential)

Common examples can include:

  • A Kansas lease or rental agreement
  • A Kansas utility bill with your name and new address
  • A bank or credit card statement
  • Mortgage or property tax documents

If you’re unsure what documentation is acceptable, search the official Kansas Division of Vehicles site for “driver’s license proof of address” or similar terms to confirm the current list.

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In Kansas, address change requests may be rejected or delayed if:

  • Information does not match what’s already on file (name, date of birth, or license number mismatch)
  • You provide a P.O. box only where a physical residence address is required
  • The new address is incomplete (missing apartment number, rural route detail, or ZIP code)
  • The system flags a possible identity mismatch
  • You’re trying to update vehicle and license records but only partially complete the process

To avoid issues, double‑check spelling, numbers, and that your new Kansas address is complete.

Step‑by‑Step Options to Change Your Address in Kansas

In Kansas, you may be able to handle your address change online, in person, or by mail, depending on which records you’re updating and your eligibility.

Because the state can update driver’s license/ID records and vehicle records separately, you may need to go through two sets of steps: one for your license/ID and one for your vehicle registration/title.

1. Online Kansas DMV Change of Address (If Eligible)

For many residents, the easiest way to start a Kansas DMV change of address is through the state’s online services.

In Kansas, this is typically handled by an official online portal linked from the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles website. To find it:

  • Go to the official Kansas Department of Revenue website (usually a “.gov” domain).
  • Look for “Division of Vehicles” → “Online Services” or search the site for “change of address”.

You can usually:

  • Update the address for your driver’s license or ID
  • Update the mailing address for your vehicle registration records (depending on system options)

A typical online process looks like this:

  1. Access the official Kansas online portal from the KDOR Division of Vehicles site.
  2. Create or log into your account, if required.
  3. Select the service related to changing your address (for license, registration, or both).
  4. Enter identifying information, such as:
    • Kansas driver’s license or ID number
    • Date of birth
    • Last 4 digits of your SSN
  5. Enter your old address currently on file.
  6. Enter your new Kansas address:
    • Include any apartment or lot number
    • Include your physical address even if you also use a P.O. box
  7. Review and confirm your changes before submitting.
  8. Save or print any confirmation page or email for your records.

Depending on your eligibility and the current system, you might:

  • Update your record only (no new license card mailed)
  • Be prompted to order a replacement Kansas license or ID with your new address, which may involve a fee
  • Be allowed to update vehicle registration mailing information linked to your driver’s record

If the online system directs you to bring documents in person or says you’re not eligible to update online, you’ll need to follow the in‑person steps.

2. In‑Person Kansas Address Change

In many cases, especially when you are:

  • Updating both address and name
  • Upgrading to a Real ID
  • Experiencing online system issues
  • Needing to address both driver’s license and vehicle registration changes at once

…it may be easier to visit your local Kansas office in person.

Depending on your county in Kansas:

  • Driver’s license services may be at a dedicated driver’s license exam station.
  • Vehicle registration/title services are usually at your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.
  • Some counties have combined locations offering both services under one roof.

To prepare:

  1. Check office locations and hours
    • Visit the official Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles website or search for “Kansas driver’s license office [your county]” or “[Your County] Kansas motor vehicle office.”
  2. Confirm what services are available at that office:
    • Driver’s license address change
    • Vehicle registration address change
  3. Gather identification and proof of residency, especially if:
    • Your current license is close to expiring
    • You have a name change in addition to the address change
    • You are switching to a Real ID‑compliant license or ID

At the office, a typical process for changing your license address looks like:

  1. Check in and select the service for a license or ID update.
  2. Provide your current Kansas driver’s license or ID.
  3. Complete any required form (some offices use an electronic form; others a paper form).
  4. Provide your new address clearly, including apartment, lot, or rural route details.
  5. Confirm whether you want a new physical card or a record‑only update (if available).
  6. Pay any applicable fee if a new card is issued.

For your vehicle registration address:

  1. Go to the county treasurer’s motor vehicle counter.
  2. Provide:
    • License plate number
    • VIN (if requested)
    • Your current registration card
  3. Ask to update the address on your vehicle record.
  4. Confirm whether the update affects:
    • Mailing address only, or
    • Residence/garaging address used for taxes/fees.

Some counties in Kansas can process both your license and registration address changes in a single visit, but you may still need to handle them at two different windows within the same building.

3. Mail‑In Kansas DMV Change of Address (If Available)

Kansas has allowed some mail‑in paperwork for driver and vehicle services. Whether you can change your address by mail can depend on:

  • The type of change (license vs. registration)
  • Whether your county allows updates by mail
  • Whether a signature or notarization is needed on a specific form

If a Kansas DMV change of address form is required for mail‑in requests, it will be linked on the official KDOR Division of Vehicles site or your county treasurer’s motor vehicle page.

To explore mail‑in options:

  • Search for “Kansas Division of Vehicles change of address form” on the official site.
  • For vehicle registration, search “[Your County] Kansas motor vehicle change of address.”
  • Read any instructions carefully, including:
    • Where to mail the form
    • Whether you must include a copy of your current license or ID
    • Whether original signatures are required

A typical mail‑in process might involve:

  1. Downloading and printing the official address change or update form.
  2. Completing the form carefully, using your name exactly as on your current records.
  3. Listing each vehicle you want updated, including plate numbers and VINs.
  4. Including any required copies (for example, a photocopy of your license).
  5. Mailing to the address listed on the form, using sufficient postage and keeping a copy for your records.

Because mail processing times can vary, many drivers in Kansas find that online or in‑person updates are faster when time is a concern.

License vs. Registration: Do They Update Together?

In Kansas, driver licensing and vehicle registration systems are related but separate. That means:

  • Changing your address for your Kansas license or ID:
    • Updates your driver record
    • Does not automatically update your vehicle registration address in every county
  • Changing your address on your vehicle registration:
    • Updates the vehicle record for that county
    • Does not automatically change the address printed on your license

To be safe:

  • Plan to update both your license/ID and your vehicle registration when you move.
  • If you own multiple vehicles, confirm that each vehicle record in Kansas has the correct address.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you submit your Kansas DMV change of address, what happens next depends on how you submitted it and what you updated.

Driver’s License or ID

After updating your license or ID address:

  • Your driver record is updated in the Kansas Division of Vehicles system with your new address.
  • Depending on the service you used, you may:
    • Receive a confirmation page or email for online updates.
    • Receive a printed receipt at the office for in‑person updates.
  • You may or may not receive a new physical license or ID card automatically:
    • Some address changes update your record only.
    • Other transactions may produce a replacement card with your new address.

If you receive a new card:

  • It may be mailed to your new address on file.
  • Delivery timing can vary, so keep your old card and receipt until the new one arrives (if instructed by the office).

Vehicle Registration and Title

After updating your vehicle registration address:

  • The registration record in your county’s system is updated.
  • Future:
    • Registration renewal notices,
    • Tax bills, or
    • Other mailings
      should go to your new address.

Your registration card and stickers may or may not be re‑issued simply due to an address change. Many counties in Kansas keep the same registration card and sticker until your next renewal unless a replacement is specifically requested.

Monitoring Your Update

In Kansas, it’s a good idea to:

  • Log back into the online system (if available) after a few days to verify that your address appears correctly.
  • Check the address on your next notice from the Kansas Division of Vehicles or your county treasurer to make sure it was updated.

If the address still seems incorrect, refer to the troubleshooting section below.

Special Situations for Kansas Address Changes

Depending on your status and where you live in Kansas, you may face extra considerations when updating your address.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)

For CDL holders in Kansas:

  • Federal and state rules for CDL holders can be stricter than for regular licenses.
  • You may be required to appear in person to update your address, especially if:
    • You’re changing states, or
    • Your self‑certification or medical information must also be updated.

In Kansas, this is typically handled at designated CDL‑capable driver’s license offices, so:

  • Confirm that your chosen office handles CDL transactions before you go.
  • Bring your current CDL, proof of Kansas residency at your new address, and any other required CDL documentation.

Active‑Duty Military

If you are active‑duty military stationed in Kansas or temporarily out of state:

  • You may remain a Kansas resident while stationed elsewhere.
  • Many service members in Kansas find it easiest to:
    • Use online Kansas DMV change of address options if eligible, or
    • Contact the Division of Vehicles for guidance if they’re deployed or stationed abroad.

If you’re still a Kansas resident but living on a base or out of state, check whether:

  • Your Kansas driver’s license can be updated remotely, and
  • Your vehicle registration can be kept in Kansas or should be moved to another state.

College Students

If you are a college student in Kansas (for example, living in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, or another college town):

  • You must decide whether your “residence” for licensing and vehicle purposes is:
    • Your campus/college address, or
    • Your permanent family address in another Kansas city or another state.

If you move within Kansas and intend to stay for an extended period:

  • Consider updating your Kansas driver’s license and registration address to where you primarily live.
  • If you frequently move between dorms or apartments, keep track of where your official mail and renewals will be sent.

New Residents to Kansas

If you recently moved into Kansas from another state:

  • You are not simply doing an address change; you are applying for a Kansas driver’s license and registering your vehicles in Kansas.
  • You will need to:
    • Visit a Kansas driver’s license office to obtain a Kansas license (with required identification and residency documents).
    • Visit your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office to title and register your vehicle in Kansas.

Once your Kansas credentials are set up, any later move within Kansas is handled through a standard Kansas DMV change of address.

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

Depending on your county in Kansas:

  • The Division of Vehicles may require both a physical residence address and a mailing address.
  • A P.O. box may be allowed for mailing, but the state often needs a physical street or route address for:
    • Residence
    • Tax and jurisdiction purposes

If you live on a rural route or use a P.O. box in Kansas:

  • Be prepared to provide:
    • Your physical location (such as a 911 emergency address or descriptive rural address), and
    • Your mailing address if different.

This helps ensure that law enforcement, emergency services, and tax jurisdictions are associated with the correct location.

Name and Address Change Together

If you changed your name and address (for example, after marriage or divorce):

  • In Kansas, you typically must update your name first, which often requires legal documentation (such as a court order or marriage certificate).
  • After your name is updated, you can ensure your address is also updated on:
    • Your Kansas driver’s license or ID
    • Your vehicle registration and title records

When you combine these changes, especially in Kansas, it is often easier to handle them in person at a driver’s license office and then the county treasurer’s motor vehicle office as needed.

Troubleshooting Kansas Address Change Problems

Even when you follow all the steps, issues can arise. Here is what to do if your Kansas DMV change of address doesn’t go through as expected.

Online Address Change Rejection

If the online system in Kansas rejects your address change:

  • Confirm your information:
    • Make sure your license number, date of birth, and SSN digits are entered exactly as on your Kansas records.
  • Check eligibility messages:
    • Some records aren’t eligible for online changes (for example, certain CDL or Real ID‑related situations).
  • Try a different format for your address:
    • Spell out street types (“Street” vs. “St”)
    • Include your full apartment or lot number
    • Ensure your ZIP code is correct

If it still fails:

  • Use the contact information listed on the official Kansas Division of Vehicles site to ask why your online request isn’t accepted.
  • You may be directed to complete the change in person with additional ID or documentation.

Submitted but Not Updated

If you:

  • Submitted your address change online or by mail, and
  • Still see the old address on your record weeks later:

Steps to take:

  1. Verify you completed all steps in the process:
    • Some online systems require a final confirmation or e‑signature before the change applies.
  2. Check for confirmation:
    • Look for emails, confirmation numbers, or receipts from the date you applied.
  3. Contact the Division of Vehicles or your county treasurer:
    • Provide your name, license number, and any confirmation details.
    • Ask whether your address change was received and, if not, whether you must re‑submit.

In Kansas, it’s not uncommon for county offices to handle large volumes of mail and online requests. If your change is time‑sensitive, many drivers in Kansas find it helpful to complete the update in person for immediate confirmation.

Rejected Request (In Person or By Mail)

If a clerk or office informs you that your address change request cannot be processed:

  • Politely ask for the reason and what’s needed to fix it.
  • Common issues include:
    • Incomplete form or missing signatures
    • Mismatched identification (your current license does not match the name on your documents)
    • Address format issues for P.O. boxes or rural routes

Once you know the reason:

  • Gather the specific document or information requested and return to the office, or
  • Re‑submit the form by mail with corrections, if that option was offered.

License Updated but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because Kansas maintains separate systems for driver licensing and vehicle registration:

  • It’s possible that:
    • Your license record now shows your new address, but
    • Your vehicle registration notices are still going to your old address
    • Or the opposite: vehicle updated, license still old

To fix this:

  1. Confirm which record is wrong:
    • Check your license and the registration card or your online account.
  2. Update the incorrect record separately:
    • Use the online portal, contact your county treasurer’s office, or visit in person as needed.
  3. Make sure all vehicles you own are updated, not just one.

Many drivers in Kansas find that they must explicitly request the address change for each vehicle if they own more than one.

Moving Out of Kansas

If you move out of Kansas:

  • You generally will:
    • Obtain a new driver’s license in your new state, and
    • Register your vehicles there according to that state’s rules.
  • In most cases, there is no separate “change of address” within Kansas if you are fully relocating out of state. Instead, you transition your licensing and registration to your new home state.

You can:

  • Check with the Kansas Division of Vehicles or your county treasurer on:
    • Whether to surrender Kansas plates, and
    • Any necessary steps to close or update Kansas registrations or notify the state you’ve moved.

Keeping your address current with the Kansas Division of Vehicles and your county treasurer ensures that your license, registration, and official notices stay accurate and reach you on time.

To move forward:

  • Decide whether you’ll update online, in person, or by mail based on your eligibility and timing needs.
  • Remember to update both your driver’s license/ID and each vehicle registration record in Kansas, since they don’t always update together.
  • When in doubt, use the official Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles website and search for “change of address” or check your county treasurer’s motor vehicle page for county‑specific instructions.