Renewing your Bardstown driver license in person or by mail
Bardstown residents renew their Kentucky driver licenses through the state's Division of Driver Licensing, not through a local Bardstown office. You have two main routes: renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office, or renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles more situations, but the mail route works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
The nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office to Bardstown is in Louisville, about 40 miles north. You can also visit offices in Elizabethtown (about 30 miles south) or Frankfort (about 60 miles north). Each office handles renewals on a walk-in basis during posted hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you choose to renew by mail, you send your completed process and current license to the Frankfort headquarters and typically receive your new license within two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky driver licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to six months before that date.
- In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL 44.
- Mail renewal works only if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions or suspensions, and your address matches your current residence.
- The Louisville Regional Office is the closest option to Bardstown and operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Kentucky driver license, which serves as your primary identification. You also need one document that proves your current address in Bardstown — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government-issued ID from another state or a passport can substitute if your Kentucky license is expired or lost.
You must also complete Form DL 44 (process for Kentucky Driver License) before you arrive or fill it out at the office. The form is available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or at the Regional Driver Licensing Office itself. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The in-person renewal process at a Regional Driver Licensing Office
Walk into the Regional Driver Licensing Office during business hours with your documents. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for the exact hours of the Louisville, Elizabethtown, or Frankfort office you plan to visit, as hours vary by location and may change seasonally. You will receive a number and wait for your turn, which typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.
When called, hand your documents to the clerk. They will verify your information, take a new photograph, and collect the renewal fee. Kentucky charges $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal if you are age 21 or older. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if a new photo is needed. The office will return your old license to you.
Renewing by mail if you are may be able to access
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, and your address has not changed. Complete Form DL 44, include your current license, and mail both to the Division of Driver Licensing, 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($30 for four years or $60 for eight years) made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
Do not mail cash. The state processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and you should receive your new license within two to three weeks. If your address has changed, you cannot use the mail route — you must renew in person. If you have any suspensions, medical restrictions, or other holds on your license, the mail process will be rejected and returned to you.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your Kentucky license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Division of Driver Licensing at 502-564-6800 to check your license status before you travel to an office.
If your license is expired but less than one year past the expiration date, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process. Bring proof that you have not been driving on an expired license — this is not required by law, but some offices may ask. If you have received a notice of suspension in the mail, do not attempt to renew; instead, contact the Division of Driver Licensing to resolve the suspension first.
Fees and payment methods at the Regional Office
The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. Younger drivers have different fee structures. The Regional Driver Licensing Office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office does not accept credit card payments by mail.
Some offices may charge an additional fee if you need a replacement photo or if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL). Ask the clerk about any extra charges when you arrive. If you lose your new license before it arrives in the mail, you can request a duplicate at any Regional Office for a small additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Bardstown driver license online?
Kentucky does not offer online driver license renewal. You must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office or by mail. The state has not announced plans to add online renewal, so in-person or mail are your only options.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?
You receive your new license when ready at the office in most cases. If the office needs to take a new photograph or verify information, your license may arrive by mail within a few days. The clerk will tell you which applies when you complete your renewal.
What if I renew by mail but my address is wrong on my current license?
You cannot use mail renewal if your address has changed. You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person and bring proof of your new Bardstown address. The office will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Louisville Regional Office?
No. The Louisville Regional Driver Licensing Office operates on a walk-in basis. You can arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait for your turn. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. Mail renewal does not work if your name has changed; you must renew in person.