21-year-olds find law requiring license renewals a hassle

Different IDs meant to make it easier to spot underage drinkers

Marguerite Schumm, of Lawrence, didn’t know turning 21 could be such a hassle.

Under a new law that took effect July 1, all Kansans turning 21 need to renew their driver’s license. The purpose of the change was to make it easier to spot underage drinkers.

The new licenses issued are different in appearance than those issued to younger drivers.

The catch is that the renewal can’t be done until the person actually turns 21. A 15-day extension can be granted if the birthday falls on a weekend, holiday or when a Division of Vehicles office is closed.

The new law is expected to affect 35,000 drivers each year, according to a Kansas Department of Revenue estimate.

But when Schumm turns 21 she will be out of state, possibly for up to a year as she attends college in New York and visits Europe.

“It’s just silly,” Schumm said. Doing without a license, which serves as photo ID for traveling and banking, is not an option, she said.

So she said she will probably get a New York driver’s license, which she said may cost more than $100.

Schumm said the Kansas Department of Revenue told her she could get a six-month extension on her license, but the process for that seemed extremely complicated.

Freda Warfield, a spokeswoman for the agency, said six-month extensions are available. Those wanting to get one must contact the agency and complete a special form that is available online at www.ksrevenue.org.

The new license looks distinctly different from the under-21 license so it is easier for vendors and enforcers to discern whether a person can legally drink alcohol. The change was pushed during the last legislative session by the Kansas Licensed Beverage Assn.

Warfield said the Driver’s License Examining Bureau understands the inconvenience the new law may cause.

“The bureau will do everything possible to assist the individuals,” she said.

“Until the extension is received, I suggest applicants consider carrying a copy of the request for extension with their driver’s license to demonstrate that the request was submitted to the Kansas Division of Vehicles,” she said.