What you need to do to renew in Kentucky
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's licensing office. The method you choose depends on your license type and how much time you have before it expires. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which saves a trip.
Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you got it. Kentucky sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year early.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky offers online renewal through the Transportation Cabinet website for most standard licenses, and it takes about 10 business days to receive your renewed license by mail.
- By-mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order — no appointment needed.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you have a commercial license.
- The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license and $30 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The fastest way to renew is online at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system checks your information against state records and confirms your identity before you pay.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, Kentucky mails your new license to the address on file. The process takes about 10 business days from the time you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that time.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you have a commercial driver's license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to send the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet a completed process form, your current license, and payment. The form is called the Driver's License process (Form DL 44), and you can read it from the Transportation Cabinet website or request it by phone.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want your new license mailed to a different location than what is on file. The Cabinet processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and it typically takes two to three weeks.
Keep a copy of everything you send in case the Cabinet needs to contact you. If your license has been expired for more than one year or you need to change your address, the by-mail option will not work — you must go in person.
Renewing in person at a licensing office
Visit your local driver's licensing office if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address, or if you have a commercial license. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Some offices require appointments, while others work on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address. You will pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card.
The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office's process. Call ahead to confirm what documents your specific office requires and whether you need an appointment.
What happens if your license is expired
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew online or by mail. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a licensing office.
If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can face a fine. The amount depends on how long your license has been expired. Renewing before it expires avoids this risk entirely.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs $20, and an eight-year license costs $30. The length of validity is determined by your age and is assigned by the state — you cannot choose which one you receive.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. By-mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a licensing office accepts cash, check, and card. Do not send cash by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?
If you have moved, you must renew in person at a licensing office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Online and by-mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring your current license and proof of your Social Security number as well.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
A lost license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires a different process. You will need to visit a licensing office in person with proof of identity and Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes about 10 business days by mail. By-mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal either issues your license when ready or mails it within a few days, depending on your office. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Can I renew early?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid renewing close to the expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person with your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and medical certification if required. Call your local office to confirm what documents you need.