Kansas driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Kansas has no program for undocumented residents — every applicant must prove lawful presence. But Kansas does something unusual that helps many non-citizens: it waives the Social Security number requirement for non-U.S. citizens who reside in Kansas on a non-work status. A foreign student or a dependent who was never issued an SSN can still get a Kansas driver license or ID. The trade-off is that the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles re-verifies your immigration status through the federal SAVE program every time you are issued or renew a card.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — lawful presence required for every applicant
  • SSN waived for non-work status: YES — non-citizens on a non-work status who were never issued an SSN do not provide SSN verification
  • Status re-checked at every issuance: immigration documents required at each new card and each renewal (verified via SAVE)
  • State ID fee: $12.00
  • DL fee: $16.00 (replacement $16.00; printed renewal version $2.00)
  • REAL ID: optional in Kansas
  • Agency: Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles
  • Website: ksrevenue.gov/dovproof.html
  • Phone: (785) 296-3671

Which immigration statuses qualify in Kansas

Kansas issues a driver license or ID to lawfully-present non-citizens, but the document you present must show your date of birth, identity, and lawful status. Acceptable proof of lawful presence includes:

  • A valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551 / green card)
  • A valid Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
  • For foreign students, an I-20 (F status) or DS-2019 (J status)
  • A valid visa with a valid foreign passport
  • An unexpired I-94 or I-797A presented with a foreign passport

Every non-U.S. citizen is processed through the federal SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) program before a card is issued. There is no driver-privilege card or AB60-style credential for residents without lawful status.

The Kansas SSN waiver — the rule that helps non-work-status immigrants

This is the distinctive Kansas rule. Kansas states plainly that “a Social Security number is not necessary for non-U.S. citizens residing in Kansas on a non-work status.” In practice:

  • A foreign student (F-1) or a dependent on a non-work-authorized status who has never been issued an SSN does not have to provide SSN verification to get a license or ID.
  • A non-citizen who is work-authorized (for example, an EAD holder) still must provide their SSN.

That makes Kansas friendlier than many states for F-1 students and their dependents, who often have no SSN and would be blocked elsewhere. You still must clear SAVE and show valid status documents.

Immigration documents required at every issuance

Unlike states that record your status once, Kansas requires non-citizens to present immigration documents on every issuance — your first card and each renewal. Each time, the Division of Vehicles re-runs the SAVE check, and the card’s validity is generally tied to your authorized period of stay. Keep your I-94, EAD, I-20/DS-2019, or passport-and-visa current and bring the originals to every appointment.

The Social Security number rule

  • If you are work-authorized: you must provide your SSN.
  • If you are a non-citizen on a non-work status who was never issued an SSN: Kansas does not require SSN verification — the requirement is waived.

This is narrower than it sounds: it applies to non-work-status non-citizens specifically. If you have ever been issued an SSN, bring it.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant card (gold star) can be used to board domestic flights (enforced since May 7, 2025), enter federal buildings, and access secure federal facilities. In Kansas, REAL ID is optional — you can choose a REAL ID-compliant card or a standard credential. A standard (non-compliant) card is still valid for driving and state purposes but cannot be used for federal/flight identification.

How to apply in Kansas

  1. Confirm your status documents show date of birth, identity, and lawful status (green card, EAD, I-20/DS-2019, or visa + passport, or I-94/I-797A + passport).
  2. Locate your Division of Vehicles office and check whether an appointment is required.
  3. Bring originals — copies are generally not accepted, and your status is re-verified through SAVE.
  4. Provide your SSN if you are work-authorized; if you are a non-citizen on a non-work status who was never issued an SSN, the SSN requirement is waived.
  5. Take the knowledge and vision tests (and a road test for a first license).
  6. Pay the fee — $16.00 for a driver license, $12.00 for an identification card.

If you are undocumented or cannot get an SSN

Kansas has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in Kansas).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA).

Last verified: 2026-06-29. Sources: Kansas Division of Vehicles — Proof of Identity, Document & Flow Requirements, and the DE-56A fee schedule.

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.