Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license in person at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Kentucky sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime within one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you may face additional requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office requires your current license, proof of residency, and takes about 30 minutes.
- Kentucky licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If you need a new photo or want to update your address, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing office.
Renewing online through the Kentucky website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you whether you can renew online. If you can, you'll pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for an eight-year license) by credit or debit card.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions on your license, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if you need a new photo. In any of those cases, you must go to a Driver Licensing office in person. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal.
Renewing in person at a Driver Licensing office
Find your nearest Driver Licensing office on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website — there are offices in most counties. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and be ready to provide your Social Security number.
At the office, you'll fill out a renewal form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is $25 for an eight-year license if you're 21 or older. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.
Updating your address or photo during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The proof must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. The Driver Licensing office will update your address in the system and print it on your new license.
You can also request a new photo during in-person renewal if your current photo is more than eight years old or if you straightforward want an updated one. There is no additional charge for a new photo. If you renew online, your photo from your previous license will be used on your new license.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, Kentucky treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You'll need to visit a Driver Licensing office in person, bring proof of identity (your expired license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of residency. You'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process — either online or in person — without retaking tests. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so plan accordingly.
Fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Kentucky driver's license is $25 for drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 21 pay $20 for a four-year license. If you choose expedited service at a Driver Licensing office, there is an additional fee (the amount varies by office). Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card — call your local office to confirm which methods they accept.
If you're renewing by mail (which is no longer the standard method but may explore in limited circumstances), you'll need to include a check or money order with your process. Contact your local Driver Licensing office or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to confirm whether mail renewal is an option for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. However, if you renew in person at a Driver Licensing office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you renew online, your temporary license is not issued until you complete the process, so plan to renew before your expiration date.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
After in-person or online renewal, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask about expedited service at a Driver Licensing office when you renew in person — some offices can issue a license the same day for an additional fee.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to report it and request a replacement rather than a renewal. Go to a Driver Licensing office in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $10) in addition to the renewal fee. The process is similar to renewal but takes a bit longer because the office must verify that your license was actually lost.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew online or in person if your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Contact the Cabinet directly to find out what steps you need to take to clear the suspension before you can renew.
Do I need to renew my license if I changed my name?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you should update your license. You can do this during renewal by going to a Driver Licensing office in person and bringing a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll pay the standard renewal fee, and your new license will reflect your updated name.