What you need to do to renew in Kentucky
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license in person at a driver's licensing office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long until it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete a renewal without taking a written test or road test — you are straightforward confirming that the information on file is still correct and paying the renewal fee.
Your Kentucky license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 64 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years. The state will send you a reminder postcard about 60 days before your license expires, but that reminder is not a may provide — you are responsible for knowing your expiration date and renewing before it passes.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky offers online renewal through their website for most people, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address or legal name.
- You will need your current Kentucky license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Kentucky residency (such as a utility bill or lease) for in-person renewal.
- Processing times vary: online renewal takes one to two weeks, mail renewal takes two to four weeks, and in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
The fastest way to renew is through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online portal at drive.ky.gov. You will need your current Kentucky license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and then ask you to pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your photo, and you do not need to update your address or legal name. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person instead. After you complete the online transaction, the state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid (not expired), you do not need a new photo, and your address and legal name have not changed. To renew by mail, you will need to request a renewal process from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by calling 502-564-6800 or visiting a driver's licensing office in person. Once you receive the process, fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to four weeks from the time the state receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you at the address on file. This method works well if you prefer not to use the internet or if you do not have a credit or debit card, but it requires you to plan ahead since the processing time is longer.
Renewing in person at a driver's licensing office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you are changing your legal name. To renew in person, locate your nearest driver's licensing office on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and visit during their business hours. Bring your current Kentucky license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current Kentucky address (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer a few questions to confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive your new license the same day or within a few days. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The renewal fee in Kentucky depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $20, and an eight-year license costs $30. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are 65 or older, your license is automatically issued for four years, so you will pay $20. If you are between 21 and 64, you can choose either the four-year or eight-year option when you renew.
The renewal fee covers the cost of issuing your new license and mailing it to you. It does not include any additional services such as a duplicate license or a corrected license. If you need a duplicate license or need to correct information on your license between renewals, you will need to visit a driver's licensing office and pay a separate fee.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your Kentucky license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must go to a driver's licensing office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current Kentucky address. You will have your photo taken and answer questions to confirm your information, just as you would for a regular renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a fine or other penalties. If your license expired more than three years ago, you may need to retake the written test and road test instead of straightforward renewing — contact your local driver's licensing office to find out what applies to your situation.
Changing your address or legal name during renewal
If you are moving to a new address in Kentucky or changing your legal name, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and if you are changing your name, bring a document that shows your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will update your information in the state system, take a new photo, and issue your new license with the updated details. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you are making changes to your address or name. If you move out of Kentucky, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead of renewing your Kentucky license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Kentucky, you need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You cannot renew a Kentucky license if you are not a Kentucky resident. Contact your new state's department of motor vehicles to learn about their licensing requirements.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. You will need to visit a driver's licensing office in person and request a duplicate license or a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and Kentucky address. The office can issue you a new license the same day.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals typically take one to two weeks for the new license to arrive at your home. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, though some offices may mail your license instead of issuing it on the spot. Contact your local office if you need your license urgently.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license?
No. Most Kentucky license renewals do not require a written test or road test. You are straightforward confirming that your information is still correct. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to retake the written test and road test. Call your local driver's licensing office to find out what applies to you.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Kentucky license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years (or four years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.