Kentucky driver's licenses renew every four or six years depending on your age
Kentucky sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Most Kentucky drivers can renew online or by mail without visiting a driver's licensing office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your renewal timeline depends on when you were born. Drivers aged 21 to 64 get a four-year license. Drivers 65 and older get a two-year license. Drivers under 21 get a license valid until their 21st birthday. The expiration date is printed on the front of your current license.
Kentucky does not charge a separate renewal fee if you renew before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you will pay a late fee in addition to the renewal cost. The standard renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license and $15 for a two-year license.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration and tells you in that notice whether you can renew online, by mail, or must visit in person.
- Most drivers renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by mail, without visiting an office.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew, whether online or in person.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office.
- Renewing before your license expires costs $20 for a four-year license; renewing after expiration adds a late fee.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet runs the online renewal system at drive.ky.gov. You can renew online if your renewal notice says you are may be able to access and if your license has not been suspended or revoked. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a new photo, review your information, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Kentucky mails your renewed license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or correct your name. Those changes require an in-person visit.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only if your renewal notice says you are may be able to access. You will receive a mail renewal packet with your notice. Fill out the form, include a new photo (4x6 inches, color or black and white), and mail everything back to the address on the packet along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after Kentucky receives your packet. Your current license stays valid during this time. If you do not receive your renewed license within 4 weeks, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 to check the status.
You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed, your name has changed, or your renewal notice does not offer mail renewal as an option.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office
You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name has changed, your license was suspended or revoked, or your renewal notice says in-person renewal is required. Kentucky has driver's licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at drive.ky.gov.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will have a new photo taken at the office. Processing takes about 15 minutes, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed.
Wait times at driver's licensing offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the office website or call ahead to learn whether you need to schedule a time.
What documents you need for any renewal method
For online or mail renewal, you need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Proof of residency must show your name and current address and be dated within 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number.
Renewing a license that has already expired
If your license expired more than 3 years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license in person at a driver's licensing office. If your license expired fewer than 3 years ago, you can renew it using the same methods as a current license, but you will pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee.
An expired license is not valid for driving. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. Renew your license as soon as you notice it has expired.
Real ID and other license endorsements
Kentucky offers a Real ID license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. A standard Kentucky license will not work for these purposes after that date. If you want to add Real ID to your license during renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your other documents.
You can also add other endorsements during renewal, such as a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver's license endorsement. These changes require an in-person visit and may require additional testing or documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Kentucky will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if your license is suspended for another reason. Contact the court that issued the ticket to pay the fine, then renew your license. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension before renewal.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and the name change document.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals issue a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 4 weeks, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Kentucky driver's licensing office, even if you are temporarily living in another state. Your renewal notice will tell you which method you are may be able to access for.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the notice to renew. Go to drive.ky.gov to renew online, or contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 to request a mail renewal packet or to find a driver's licensing office near you.