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Kansas REAL ID Requirements

3 min read

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes federal security standards for state-issued identification. Beginning May 7, 2025, Kansas residents will need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Here's what you need to know about getting your Kansas REAL ID.

What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets enhanced security standards set by the federal government. In Kansas, REAL ID cards are marked with a gold circle and a star in the upper right-hand corner.

Standard Kansas licenses will still be valid for driving and identification purposes but will not be accepted for federal purposes after the enforcement date.

Who Needs a REAL ID?

You need a REAL ID if you plan to:

  • Board a domestic flight
  • Enter secure federal buildings (like military bases or federal courthouses)
  • Visit nuclear power plants

You do not need a REAL ID to:

  • Drive a vehicle
  • Vote
  • Enter federal facilities that do not require ID
  • Receive federal benefits

How to Get a REAL ID in Kansas

To apply for a REAL ID in Kansas, visit a full-service Kansas DMV office in person. You cannot apply online or by mail. Use the Scheduling Appointments at Kansas DMV Offices resource to reserve your visit.

Required Documents

You must provide the following original documents (no copies or laminated documents accepted):

  1. Proof of lawful presence (e.g., valid U.S. passport, certified U.S. birth certificate)
  2. Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2, pay stub with full SSN)
  3. Two proofs of Kansas residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements)
  4. Name change documents (if your current name differs from the name on your proof of identity)

Check the full list of acceptable documents on the Kansas Department of Revenue REAL ID page.

REAL ID vs. Standard ID

Kansas offers both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant licenses. The key differences are:

| Feature | REAL ID | Standard ID | |--------|---------|-------------| | Domestic flights | ✅ | ❌ after May 7, 2025 | | Federal facility access | ✅ | ❌ | | Driving and identification | ✅ | ✅ |

Be sure to make the appropriate choice depending on your travel and identification needs.

Fees and Validity

There is no additional fee to obtain a REAL ID in Kansas if you're getting it during your regular renewal period. Outside of renewal, standard replacement fees may apply. Refer to the Kansas DMV Fees Overview for details.

REAL ID cards in Kansas are valid for the same period as standard licenses—typically six years.

If you're new to the state or haven't yet obtained your driver's license, you may find the following resources helpful:

For the latest updates and to check your eligibility, visit the official Kansas Department of Revenue REAL ID page.