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 by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes; mail renewal takes two to four weeks. You'll need 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 by mail, you must be a Kentucky resident, your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must have been issued your current license at least four years ago. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky lets you renew by mail if your license is valid and you've held it for at least four years, but you'll need to go in person if you're moving or changing your name.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof you live in Kentucky, and your Social Security number.
- Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes two to four weeks; in-person renewal is faster but requires a trip to a Driver Licensing Office.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renewed in person or by mail.
Renewing in person at a Driver Licensing Office
Walk into any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you want to renew, and they will hand you a form to fill out — it's the same form whether you're renewing or explore for the first time.
The clerk will take your photo, verify your information against your Social Security record, and collect your fee. Fees vary: a standard four-year renewal costs $32.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $65. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
Bring your current license even if it's expired — the office can still renew it as long as it expired no more than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to take a written test and vision test before you can renew.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 or visit their website to request a mail renewal packet. You can also pick one up in person at any Driver Licensing Office. The packet includes a form, instructions, and a prepaid return envelope.
Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of residency (front and back), and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash — include a check or money order. The Cabinet will process your renewal, send you a new license by mail, and return your old license separately.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal because the Cabinet must receive your packet, process it, print your new license, and mail it back to you. Plan for two to four weeks total. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.
What happens if your license is expired
You can still renew a Kentucky license up to five years after it expires. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you renew the same way as someone with a current license — no tests required. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must take a written test and vision test before renewal, and you must renew in person.
If you're unsure whether your license is still within the five-year window, bring it to a Driver Licensing Office and ask. The staff can tell you when ready whether you can renew or whether you'll need to test.
Updating your address or name during renewal
If you're moving to a new Kentucky address, you must renew in person — mail renewal does not allow address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. The clerk will update your address on the form before processing your renewal.
If you've changed your name since your license was issued, you must also renew in person and bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will update your name and issue a new license with the correct information.
Finding a Driver Licensing Office near you
Kentucky has Driver Licensing Offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you, call 502-564-6800 or visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The website lists office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; a few have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you're traveling more than 30 minutes.
Offices are typically busiest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. If you want to avoid a wait, go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning. You do not need an appointment, but some offices now offer optional online reservations that let you pick a time slot.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you renew, you cannot use mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Licensing Office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license on the spot, and you'll receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
A replacement license costs $10. If you need to renew at the same time, the office will combine both transactions and charge you the renewal fee plus the replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Kentucky does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver Licensing Office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster; mail renewal is cheaper and requires no trip.
How much does renewal cost?
A four-year renewal costs $32.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $65. Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license at the same time, add $10 to the renewal fee.
What if I moved out of Kentucky?
You cannot renew a Kentucky license if you no longer live in the state. You must get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their renewal process.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo. If you renew by mail, your new license uses your photo from your current license — no new photo is taken.
What if my Social Security number is wrong on my license?
Bring your current license and your Social Security card to a Driver Licensing Office. The clerk can correct your Social Security number during renewal. If you're renewing by mail, call 502-564-6800 first to ask whether you can correct it by mail or must come in person.