Where to renew your license in London

In London, Kentucky, you renew your driver's license at the Laurel County Clerk's office, located at 101 South Main Street, London, KY 40741. This is the only place in London that handles driver's license renewals — you cannot renew online or by mail in Kentucky, even if you are renewing a standard license for the first time after expiration.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally. Call ahead at (606) 864-3000 to confirm current hours or ask whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time you arrive. Early morning visits, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have shorter lines.

If you cannot reach the London office or need to renew outside Laurel County, the nearest alternative is the Corbin Regional Office at 100 Walnut Street, Corbin, KY 40701, about 30 miles away. However, you should complete your renewal in London if possible, since that is your home county office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at the Laurel County Clerk's office on South Main Street in London; Kentucky does not allow online or mail renewals for any driver's license.
  • Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or card.
  • The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license; payment is cash, check, or card.
  • You will take a new photo and pass a vision test at the clerk's office; bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your receipt until it arrives.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license or expired license — if you have lost it, you will need to file a replacement report at the clerk's office before renewing. Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return.

You also need proof of your current London address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved within London and your license still shows an old address, bring proof of both the old address (your expired license) and the new one.

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. The clerk's office will not process a renewal if your name on the process does not match your identity documents.

The renewal process and what happens at the office

When you arrive at the Laurel County Clerk's office, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are renewing your driver's license. They will ask you to fill out a short form with your name, address, and whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. Hand over your documents — your current or expired license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number.

The clerk will scan your documents and take a new photograph of you. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the photo. The photo will appear on your new license.

Next, you will take a vision test at a machine in the office. You look into the machine and read letters or numbers on a screen. If you fail, you can retake it when ready. If you fail twice, the clerk will refer you to an eye doctor before you can renew. This is rare — most people pass on the first try.

Pay the renewal fee: $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license. The clerk accepts cash, check, or card. You will receive a receipt that serves as a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the receipt alone until the new license arrives.

Renewal fees and payment options

A four-year driver's license renewal costs $48. An eight-year renewal costs $72. These are the standard fees set by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and do not vary by county. The Laurel County Clerk's office accepts cash, personal check, and debit or credit card. There is no additional fee for paying by card.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than three years ago, Kentucky treats it as a new license rather than a renewal, and the fee is higher — $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license, the same as renewal. However, you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test, not just the vision test. If your license expired more than three years ago, call the clerk's office before you visit to understand what tests you will need to take.

How long the process takes and when your new license arrives

The appointment at the clerk's office itself takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, including the photo, vision test, and payment. However, you may wait 30 minutes to two hours before your number is called, depending on how busy the office is that day.

After you leave the office, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew. You do not need to do anything else — the license will arrive without further action from you. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the clerk's office to report it.

Until your new license arrives, you can drive legally using the receipt the clerk gave you. The receipt is valid for 30 days. If you need to travel out of state or need an official ID before your license arrives, bring the receipt with you — most businesses and government offices accept it as proof of a valid license.

What to do if your license is lost or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must first file a replacement report at the Laurel County Clerk's office. Bring your proof of address and Social Security number. The clerk will file the report, which costs $10, and issue you a receipt. You can then renew your license in the same visit or return another day.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can renew it normally without filing a replacement report. Bring the damaged license to the clerk's office along with your other documents. The clerk will accept it and process your renewal as usual.

If you have lost your license and do not remember your license number, do not worry — the clerk can look it up using your name and date of birth. Bring a second form of ID, such as a passport or state ID card, to help confirm your identity.

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. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a long wait closer to your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or on time.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the London clerk's office?

Appointments are not required, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. The office accepts walk-ins, and you take a number when you arrive. If the office is very busy, you may be able to call and ask when the next slower time is expected.

What if I moved out of London but still have a London address on my license?

You can still renew at the Laurel County Clerk's office in London, but you must update your address on your process. Bring proof of your new address. If you have moved to a different county in Kentucky, you may renew at your new county clerk's office instead.

Can I get a REAL ID at the same time I renew?

Yes. A REAL ID is a federal standard for air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs an additional $15 on top of your renewal fee. Bring your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and two proofs of address. Ask the clerk about REAL ID when you arrive, and they will add it to your renewal.

What if I fail the vision test?

You can retake the vision test when ready at the clerk's office. If you fail a second time, the clerk will ask you to see an eye doctor and bring a letter from the doctor stating that you are safe to drive. Once you have that letter, return to the clerk's office to complete your renewal.