How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

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. Which route you take 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 state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, so watch your mail. Your renewal date is printed on the front of your license — it's the date after the word "Expires." Kentucky licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online at drive.ky.gov or by mail if your license has not yet expired, but must go to a driver's licensing office if it has.
Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal costs $20 plus postage and takes longer.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
Kentucky sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, so check your mail around that time to plan ahead.
If you have changed your name, address, or need a corrected vision prescription, you must renew in person.

Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired. Go to drive.ky.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $20, paid by debit or credit card.

After you submit your information, Kentucky mails your new license to the address on file. The process usually takes about 10 business days from the time you pay. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving without interruption. You will receive a receipt number by email that you can use to track your renewal status.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license has not expired. The state does not automatically send renewal forms, so you must request one by calling the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 or visiting a driver's licensing office in person to pick one up. Some offices will mail the form to you if you ask.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20, and mail it to the address printed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal, often three to four weeks or more depending on postal delays. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a driver's licensing office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if your vision prescription needs updating, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Visit any Kentucky driver's licensing office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.

Bring your current driver's license or expired license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license by mail within 10 business days.

Finding a driver's licensing office near you

Kentucky has driver's licensing offices in most counties. To find the one nearest you, visit drive.ky.gov and use the office locator, or call 502-564-6000. The website shows hours, services offered at each location, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices require you to book a time slot in advance, especially in larger cities, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you live far from an office or have limited transportation, online renewal is your best option. If you cannot renew online because your license has expired, call ahead to ask whether the office can mail you a renewal form or whether you must visit in person.

What happens if your license expires

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 a receipt or confirmation number from an online or mail renewal to show you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. The safest approach is to renew before the expiration date on your license.

If your license has already expired and you need to drive, go to a driver's licensing office in person. Bring the documents listed above. You will pay the standard renewal fee and receive a temporary license when ready. If you let your license expire by more than a certain period (Kentucky's rules on this vary), you may need to pass a written test or vision test again, so renew as soon as you can.

Renewing a commercial driver's license

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person. Bring your current CDL, a valid form of ID, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a current medical certificate if your CDL requires one. The fee is $30 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

If your CDL has expired, you may need to retake the written and driving tests, depending on how long it has been expired. Call 502-564-6000 before you visit to ask what tests you will need and to book an appointment, since CDL testing requires more time than standard license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have changed my address?

If you have moved but your license has not expired, you can update your address online at drive.ky.gov during the renewal process. If your license has already expired, you must go to a driver's licensing office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your license number. Visit a driver's licensing office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license and handle the renewal in one visit. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.

How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?

Online renewal usually takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer, often three to four weeks or more depending on how long the form takes to reach Kentucky and how long the state takes to process it. Your old license remains valid to drive until the new one arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Some Kentucky driver's licensing offices require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis. Check drive.ky.gov or call 502-564-6000 to find out whether the office nearest you takes appointments. Booking ahead can save you time, especially in larger cities.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

If you wear glasses or contacts and your prescription has changed, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office. Bring your current glasses or contacts and be prepared to pass a vision test. If you fail the test, the office will require an updated prescription from an eye doctor before issuing your new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.