Kansas Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

About 23% of Kansas drivers are seniors (65 or older). And that number is rising—up nearly 35% from 2022 to 2023—even as the overall number of licensed drivers in the state declined by 1%.

As the number of older drivers increases, so does the risk of age-related impairments that can affect driving ability. While older drivers are generally safer and involved in fewer crashes than younger ones, they're also more likely to be killed in a serious crash than younger drivers.

The rules and regulations enforced by the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles (DOV) apply to all drivers, but the state has recently imposed some special requirements aimed at identifying and handling older drivers who've become unsafe behind the wheel. New driving rules for drivers over 65 include more frequent renewals and required vision tests to help ensure continued road safety.

Kansas License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

In Kansas, there's no set age to stop driving, but the state doesn't ignore the effects of aging behind the wheel. Kansas seniors face new rules when renewing their licenses.

Older Kansas Drivers Must Renew Their Licenses More Often

Kansas requires seniors (65 and older) to renew their licenses every four years, while younger drivers (21-64) renew every six years. (Kan. Stat. § 8-247(a)(1).)

You can renew your Kansas license up to one year before it expires, which might extend the time between renewals for some older drivers.

For example, if your license expires when you turn 65 and you renew at 64, the new license wouldn't expire until you turn 70—at which point you could renew it for another four years. But if you wait until 65 to renew, it would expire when you're 69.

Kansas Seniors Must Pass a Vision Test to Renew Their Licenses

All Kansas drivers must pass a vision test when renewing their licenses in person—including seniors. Most adult drivers (21-64) can renew online every other time and don't need an eye exam when doing so. But because drivers 65 and older must renew in person each time, they must also pass a vision test at each license renewal. (Kan. Stat. § 8-240(j)(1)-(2).)

DOV personnel will conduct a vision screening for free, or you can have an eye exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist. Just be sure to attend the exam within 90 days of your renewal request and have your eye doctor complete a Vision Form (DV-124V).

How to Renew a Kansas License as an Older Driver

Kansas requires drivers 65 and older to renew their licenses in person at a licensing office or mobile unit. To renew a regular Kansas driver's license, take the following steps:

1. Make an appointment at your local driver's license office. The DOV accepts walk-ins, but prioritizes those with appointments.
2. Bring documents proving your identity and Kansas residency. Your expiring driver's license and a utility bill or canceled mail with your name and home address on it will work.
3. Pass a vision test or present the Vision Form completed by your eye doctor.
4. Pay the renewal fee (typically $12-$18 for a standard Class C operator's license, plus an $8 photo fee is required).
5. Have your photo taken and your signature captured for your new license.

The documentation needed for a Kansas Real ID differs from that for a regular driver's license. Learn more on the Kansas Department of Revenue Real ID website.

Do Older Drivers Have to Take a Test at License Renewal in Kansas?

Kansas doesn't require a written or driving test for seniors or elderly drivers based on age alone. Unless your license has expired for a year or more, you generally won't have to retake the written test. And the state only requires older drivers to pass a road test when there are indications of driver impairment.

Possible License Restrictions for Older Drivers in Kansas

The Kansas DOV can add restrictions to a driver's license if there's "good cause," such as a medical or physical condition. The most common restriction for older drivers is the requirement to wear corrective lenses. Other possible restrictions include:

• daylight driving only
• no interstate driving
• driving within city limits only
• mileage restrictions (limiting driving to a specific radius of 5 to 30 miles from home)
• outside mirror required
• mechanical aid required
• automatic transmission required
• prosthetic aid required, or
• requiring a licensed driver in the front passenger seat.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Kansas

Anyone can report a potentially unsafe driver to the DOV. The department accepts "letters of concern" from:

• family members
• driver's license exam stations
• law enforcement officers
• the courts
• the medical community, and
• concerned citizens.

To report an unsafe driver, send a letter to the DOV Medical/Vision Unit clearly describing your concerns about the driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Include the driver's name and date of birth or Kansas Driver's License number. Although you must sign the letter, the DOV keeps unsafe driver reports confidential, except those made by law enforcement related to a traffic stop or accident.

After receiving the "Letter of Concern," the DOV will send the driver a letter and medical and vision forms that the driver must have completed by a physician familiar with the driver's history. (Kan. Stat. § 8-247(e)(5).) If you receive such a letter, you'll have 30 days to comply, but if you've seen your doctor in the past 90 days, you can use that information to satisfy the request.

The DOV can also require a potentially unsafe driver to pass a road test to keep their license (or your doctor can request one). If you fail the driving test, you can retake it up to three times. After that, you must wait six months to try again.

If the DOV finds you're not competent to drive, the state can revoke your license. (Kan. Stat. § 8-255.) If you fail to respond to the DOV letter, don't submit the medical and vision forms, or fail to take a required driving test, you can lose your driving privileges.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Kansas, contact Driver Solutions at the DOV.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver With a Disability

The State of Kansas issues disability parking placards and license plates (or stickers for specialty plates) and special identification (ID) cards to those with mobility impairments and other disabilities. The person with the disability must carry the ID card whenever they're driving or riding in a vehicle that parks in an accessible parking space.

People with permanent disabilities can get a permanent (blue) placard and license plate (or sticker) or up to two placards. You must recertify your eligibility for a permanent placard or license plate. And disability parking plates renew yearly, just like other license plates.

Those with temporary disabilities can get one or two temporary (red) placards, which are valid for up to six months.

To get a disability parking placard and/or license plate, a "licensed healing arts professional" must certify your mobility impairment. The state recognizes the following providers as healing arts professionals:

• medical doctors
• osteopaths
• chiropractors
• podiatrists
• optometrists
• physician assistants
• advanced registered nurse practitioner, and
• Christian Science practitioners listed in The Christian Science Journal.

The placards and plates allow drivers with disabilities (and those who transport people with disabilities) to park in accessible parking. It also allows a disabled driver to park without paying at parking meters for up to 24 hours. Disability parking plates and placards are available for those who:

• have a severe visual impairment
• can't walk 100 feet without stopping to rest
• can't walk without
• a brace, cane, or crutch
• help from another person
• a prosthetic device
• a wheelchair, or
• another assistive device
• have severe lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition, or
• are severely limited in their ability to walk at least 100 feet by an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition. (Kan. Stat. § 8-1,124.)

Take these steps to obtain a disabled placard or plate in Kansas:

1. Complete and sign a Certification of Disability for Disabled Parking Placard and/or Plate.
2. Have your health care provider complete the Healing Arts Licensed Professional's Statement portion of the application.
3. Bring the completed form to the local county treasurer's motor vehicle office.

Learn More About Kansas Driving Rules for Seniors

The DOV website contains basic information about the state's driving rules and regulations.

Of special interest is the downloadable Kansas Driving Handbook (available in English or Spanish), which includes a section on driving tips for seniors.