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How to get a driver's license in Kansas as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Kansas needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Foreign tourists, teachers or businesspeople here for up to one year with valid immigration documents may drive on their valid license (age 16+).
Deadline after moving
90 days after moving to Kansas
License exchange without tests
1 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide proof of your SSN; an SSN is not necessary for non-U.S. citizens residing in Kansas on a non-work status.

Driving on a foreign license

Foreign tourists, teachers or businesspeople here for up to one year with valid immigration documents may drive on their valid license (age 16+). Deadline after moving: 90 days after moving to Kansas.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • South Korea

Valid, unexpired South Korean license; no written or driving exam, but a vision exam is required. Bring two pieces of Kansas residential mail, Social Security card (not needed for some non-work-visa holders), proof of lawful presence, and a name-change document if names differ.

Applicants with a valid unexpired South Korea license may transfer their license to Kansas www.ksrevenue.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Valid Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Valid I-94 (e.g. asylee/refugee)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. entry marking and/or documentation (F-1/M-1 also bring I-20; J-1/J-2 bring DS-2019)

License validity: Any license, permit or ID issued to a temporary resident expires when their authorization to be lawfully present in the U.S. ends.

Any license, permit, or ID card issued to a temporary resident will expire at the same time as their authorization to be lawfully present in the United States. ksrevenue.gov

Social Security number

Provide proof of your SSN; an SSN is not necessary for non-U.S. citizens residing in Kansas on a non-work status.

A social security number is not necessary for non-U.S. citizens residing in Kansas on a non-work status. ksrevenue.gov

Proof of residency

Two proofs of Kansas residential address (e.g. utility bill within last two months, bank statement, lease, Kansas vehicle registration or title, voter registration card); P.O. Box not accepted.

Provide two proofs of Kansas residency from List C ksrevenue.gov

Step by step

  1. Get a license within 90 days of moving to Kansas.
  2. Gather one lawful presence document, proof of SSN (unless on non-work status) and two proofs of Kansas residential address.
  3. Non-citizens are processed through SAVE verification before the license is issued.
  4. Pass the vision screening (at least 20/40 in one eye).
  5. Pass the 25-question written test on traffic laws (four attempts allowed; $1.50 re-exam fee).
  6. Pass the driving test.
  7. License for a temporary resident expires with the authorized lawful presence.

Prepare for the knowledge test

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.