Where to renew your license in Frankfort
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Branch in Frankfort handles all driver's license renewals for the state. Their office is located at 501 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601. You can renew in person at this location during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary by season.
Before you go, check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call ahead at the Frankfort office to confirm current hours and any wait times. Going early in the day or mid-week often means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.
If you cannot travel to Frankfort, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your situation — see the sections below for those options.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office in Frankfort, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal if your license is not expired or suspended.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number; additional documents are required if your name has changed.
- Standard renewals take about two weeks by mail and are processed when ready in person, but online renewals may take several business days.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
- Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age; the renewal fee varies based on the length of validity you choose.
What documents you need to bring
For an in-person renewal at the Frankfort office, bring your current Kentucky driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to bring your birth certificate or passport.
If you are renewing online or by mail and your information has not changed, you may need fewer documents, but the state will tell you what is required when you start the process.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
Kentucky allows online renewal through its MyDMV portal if your license is not currently expired and has not been suspended or revoked. To renew online, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, log into MyDMV with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card, and your new license is mailed to your address on file within several business days.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions set by the state. You can request a mail renewal form from the Frankfort office by phone or in person, or read it from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope.
Both online and mail renewal are faster than driving to Frankfort if your situation is straightforward, but if your license is already expired or if you need to update your address or photograph, you must renew in person.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years. When you renew, you choose which length you want. The renewal fee depends on the validity period you select — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Fees also differ slightly if you are renewing in person, by mail, or online, so ask the office or check the website for the exact amount before you go.
If you are over 65 years old, Kentucky offers a reduced-fee renewal option. Ask about senior rates when you renew.
What happens after you renew
If you renew in person at the Frankfort office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and can drive right away. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you renew by mail or online, your new license is mailed to your address on file. You should not drive using an expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive, even if you have submitted a renewal. If your renewal is taking longer than expected, contact the Frankfort office to check the status.
Make sure the address on your license is correct before you renew. If you have moved, update your address at the time of renewal so your new license goes to the right place. Updating your address after renewal means waiting longer to receive your license or having it sent to an old address.
Updating your address or photograph during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — when you renew in person. If you are renewing by mail or online, include a copy of your proof of address with your process.
If you want a new photograph on your license, you must renew in person at the Frankfort office. Mail and online renewals use your existing photograph. A new photo is useful if your appearance has changed significantly or if your current photo is blurry or unflattering, but it is not required.
If your license is expired or suspended
If your Kentucky driver's license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must renew in person at the Frankfort office. Bring all the documents listed above, including proof of residency and Social Security verification.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — which might involve paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or other steps depending on why it was suspended. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out what you need to do before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Kentucky allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you have a trip planned or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you renew.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes about two weeks from when the office receives your envelope, plus mailing time. Online renewal typically takes several business days before your license ships.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Update your address during the renewal process. Bring proof of your new address to the Frankfort office if renewing in person, or include a copy with your mail process. If you renew online, you can update your address through the MyDMV portal. Do not renew without updating your address, or your new license will be mailed to the old location.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Frankfort office?
Kentucky does not require appointments for driver's license renewals at most locations, but check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you go, as policies can change. Going early in the day or on a weekday other than Friday usually means a shorter wait.
Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
An outstanding ticket or fine does not automatically stop you from renewing your license, but if a court has suspended your license because of unpaid fines, you cannot renew until you resolve the suspension. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take.