Where to go and what to bring
In Louisville, you renew your driver's license at a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office. The main office serving Louisville is located at 200 Metro Street, Louisville, KY 40202. You can also renew at any of the satellite offices in Jefferson County if that location is more convenient.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to pass a vision test.
You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but you can call ahead to confirm current wait times. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some satellite locations have extended hours on certain days.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office at 200 Metro Street in Louisville, or any Jefferson County satellite location, with your current license and proof of residency.
- Bring your Social Security card or document showing your number, and any court documents if your name has changed since your last license.
- Standard renewals take about 15 to 30 minutes, and you can usually use your old license to drive home the same day while your new one is mailed.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; the office will tell you the exact timeline when you finish.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to the renewal process.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call you to a window where they will review your documents, confirm your information, and take a new photo for your license. This is also when they will check your vision—you will read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.
You will then pay the renewal fee. In Kentucky, a standard four-year renewal costs $20, and an eight-year renewal costs $40. You can pay by cash, check, or card. After payment, the office will give you a receipt that serves as a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can drive home on your old license the same day, and the new one will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing online or by mail
Kentucky does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. However, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. To renew by mail, your license must have been issued within the last four years, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
If you are may be able to access, you can request a mail renewal form by calling the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6930. 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 to three weeks from the date they receive your process.
If you do not meet the mail renewal requirements, you must visit an office in person. This includes anyone whose license has expired, anyone who has moved, or anyone whose name has changed.
If your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew it using the standard process described above. Bring all the same documents, and the office will issue you a new license without requiring you to retake any tests beyond the vision check.
If your license expired more than three years ago, Kentucky treats this as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision test, in addition to providing all your documents. You may also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. The office staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call ahead or arrive.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you are in the process of renewing. Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the legal document showing the change along with your current license and proof of residency. The office will issue a new license with your updated name. There is no additional fee for a name change during renewal.
If you need to change your address or name but your license is not yet due for renewal, you can still visit the office to request an updated license. This is called a duplicate license and costs $5.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you will need to get a duplicate license first. Visit the Driver Licensing office with your proof of residency and Social Security card. A duplicate costs $5 and is issued the same day. Once you have the duplicate, you can renew it using the standard renewal process whenever your license is due.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a duplicate. Keep the police report number for your records in case there are questions later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to restore your driving privileges. Once that is resolved, you can renew normally.
How long is a renewed license valid?
A standard Kentucky driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can also choose an eight-year license for an additional fee. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.
What if I do not receive my new license in the mail within 10 business days?
Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6930 with your receipt number from your renewal visit. They can track your license and tell you where it is in the mail process. If it has been lost, they can reissue it.
Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license?
No, a standard renewal does not include a driving test. You will only take a vision test. If your license expired more than three years ago, you will also take the written knowledge test.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Driver Licensing office to renew your license. The office needs to take a new photo and verify your identity. No one can do this on your behalf.