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, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people can complete a renewal without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Kentucky license is valid for four, five, or eight years depending on your age and license class. The Transportation Cabinet 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 before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky offers online renewal through the state website, mail renewal by sending your license and fee to Frankfort, and in-person renewal at any driver's licensing office.
- Online renewal costs $20 and takes about two weeks; mail renewal costs $20 and takes three to four weeks; in-person renewal costs $20 and is when ready.
- You cannot renew online if your address changed, your license was suspended or revoked, you need a corrected name, or your license is damaged or lost.
- If you are over 65, your license is valid for four years instead of eight, and you renew the same way as anyone else.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Online Renewal Through the Kentucky State Website
The fastest way to renew is online at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. You log in with your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system checks your record, confirms you are not suspended or revoked, and lets you pay the $20 renewal fee by credit or debit card.
Online renewal takes about two weeks from the time you submit. Your new license is mailed to the address currently on file with the state. You cannot use online renewal if your address has changed, if your name needs to be corrected, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if your license is damaged or lost. If any of those explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: Sending Your License to Frankfort
To renew by mail, send your current driver's license and a check or money order for $20 to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort. Include a note with your name and date of birth. The address is listed on the renewal notice the state sends you, or you can find it on the Transportation Cabinet website.
Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. Your new license is mailed to the address on your current license, so if you have moved, you must either update your address first or renew in person. Do not send cash through the mail. If your license is damaged, lost, or stolen, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to a licensing office in person.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office
You can walk into any Kentucky driver's licensing office and renew on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and $20 in cash or card. The office takes a new photo, confirms your information, and issues your renewed license when ready. You leave with your new license the same day.
In-person renewal is the only option if your address changed, your name needs correction, your license is damaged or lost, or your license was suspended or revoked. It is also the fastest method if you need your renewed license right away. To find the office nearest you and check hours, use the Transportation Cabinet office locator on their website.
What Happens If Your License Is Damaged, Lost, or Stolen
A damaged license can be renewed by mail or in person. A lost or stolen license cannot be renewed by mail — you must go to a licensing office. When you renew in person for a lost or stolen license, you pay the standard $20 renewal fee, not a replacement fee, because you are renewing rather than replacing.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a licensing office in person. The office will tell you whether the suspension or revocation has been lifted and whether you can proceed with renewal. If it has not been lifted, you will need to resolve the underlying issue first.
Updating Your Address Before or During Renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address before you renew online or by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so if you do not update it, your license goes to your old address. You can update your address online through the Transportation Cabinet website, by phone, or in person at a licensing office.
If you renew in person, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will update your record and issue your renewed license with the new address on it.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew
Online renewal takes about two weeks. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you get your license the same day. These timelines assume normal processing. During high-volume periods or if there are errors on your process, processing may take longer.
Once your renewed license is issued, it is mailed to the address on file. Check your mailbox starting about one week after you renew online or by mail. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the Transportation Cabinet to check the status. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since it is still valid until the expiration date printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I am out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal takes about two weeks and costs $20. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks and also costs $20. Your new license is mailed to the address on file, so make sure your current address is correct before you renew.
What if my name changed since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your name needs to be corrected. You must renew in person at a licensing office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your record and issue your renewed license with the correct name.
Do I have to renew my license on my birthday?
No. Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on it. You can renew anytime up to one year before it expires. The state sends a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. Renewing early gives you more time to receive your new license by mail.
What if I let my license expire?
You can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements depending on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than one year ago, you can usually renew the same way as a current license. If it expired more than one year ago, you may need to take a written test or vision test, or renew in person. Contact the Transportation Cabinet or visit a licensing office to find out what applies to your situation.
How much does it cost to renew?
The renewal fee is $20 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers a four-year, five-year, or eight-year license depending on your age. Drivers over 65 receive a four-year license. There are no additional fees unless you need a corrected name or address, which are included in the standard renewal fee.