What you need to do to renew in Kentucky
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver's licensing office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person.
The online route is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license has not yet expired; expired licenses require an in-person visit to a driver's licensing office.
- Online renewal costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery; you need a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; you can walk in without an appointment at most offices.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet runs the online renewal system at drive.ky.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, and pay $20 by credit or debit card. The system confirms your identity by checking your records against what the state already has on file.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical conditions that would require a new photo. If any of those explore, you must renew in person. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
To renew by mail, read or request Form DL 44 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail both along with a check for $20 (made out to the Kentucky State Treasurer) to the address listed on the form. The Cabinet processes mail renewals in 2 to 3 weeks.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal — your license must not be expired, and you cannot have changed your address, name, or medical status. If you have moved, changed your name, or need a new photo for any reason, you must go to a driver's licensing office in person.
Renewing in person at a Kentucky driver's licensing office
You can walk into any Kentucky driver's licensing office without an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot.
In-person renewal costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes from arrival to leaving with your new license in hand. You need to renew in person if your license has expired, if you have changed your address or name since your last renewal, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you want to change your photo.
What happens if your license has already expired
An expired Kentucky license cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must visit a driver's licensing office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The office staff will process your renewal the same way they do for non-expired licenses.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a mailed receipt), but that does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Finding a driver's licensing office near you
Kentucky has driver's licensing offices in most counties. Search for the office nearest you on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website by entering your county or city. The website shows office hours, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours.
Call ahead if you are concerned about wait times. Many offices can tell you how busy they are at different times of day. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoons, which tend to be busier. If you cannot reach your local office by phone, the Cabinet website lists all office locations and phone numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I just moved?
No. Online and mail renewal work only if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office so they can update your address and take a new photo. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. Go to a driver's licensing office in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old license had not yet expired.
How long is a Kentucky driver's license valid?
Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. Your license shows the expiration date on the front. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a driver's licensing office?
No. Most Kentucky driver's licensing offices accept walk-ins without appointments. However, some offices in larger cities may use an appointment system during busy times. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are required or recommended.
What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?
You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct information.