Renewing Your Kentucky License by Mail or Online
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than going to an office in person.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Kentucky sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, though 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
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Kentucky sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want to update your photo.
- In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- Kentucky does not charge extra for standard renewal; the fee is $20 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing Online Through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo or address. Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
The system will verify your information against Kentucky's records. If everything matches, you will pay $20 by debit card or credit card. Kentucky will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.
Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail With Your Renewal Notice
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Kentucky sends you about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you fill out, your new license fee, and instructions for where to mail the packet. Do not lose this notice — you cannot renew by mail without it.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Mail the packet to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash. Kentucky will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file, which takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by contacting a Driver's Licensing Office to request one. You can also choose to renew online or in person instead.
Renewing in Person at a Driver's Licensing Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want a new photo. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and $20 in cash or card payment.
Go to any Driver's Licensing Office in Kentucky during business hours. You do not need an appointment. The office will take a new photo, update your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes or less, depending on how busy the office is.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test before you can renew. Contact your local Driver's Licensing Office to confirm what you need to bring.
What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired
If your license expired less than three years ago, you can renew it without retaking any tests. You must renew in person or by mail — online renewal does not work for expired licenses. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and $20 to a Driver's Licensing Office, or mail your renewal notice with payment if you still have it.
If your license expired more than three years ago, Kentucky treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written test, vision test, and road test. You will also need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Contact your local Driver's Licensing Office for the full list of documents and to schedule a test appointment.
Changing Your Address During Renewal
If you moved and need to update your address, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver's Licensing Office or by mail using your renewal notice. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
When you renew in person, tell the office staff that you have moved and provide your new address. They will update your record and print your new license with the correct address. If you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on the renewal form and include proof of your new address in the envelope.
Finding Your Nearest Driver's Licensing Office
Kentucky has Driver's Licensing Offices in every county. To find the office nearest you, go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or county, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office in your area.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or if you want to confirm current wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but the process depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than three years ago, you can renew without retaking tests by going in person or by mail. If it expired more than three years ago, you must explore as a new driver and pass the written, vision, and road tests.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Kentucky mails your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person and receive it the same day.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew by mail by contacting a Driver's Licensing Office to request a new notice. You can also renew online if your license is still valid, or renew in person at any Driver's Licensing Office by bringing your current license and proof of address.
Do I have to renew in person if I want a new photo?
Yes. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. Only in-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office includes a new photo. You can renew in person even if your license is not expired yet.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver's Licensing Office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.