Where to go and what to bring in Lexington

In Lexington, you renew your Kentucky driver's license at the Fayette County Clerk's Office, located at 101 East Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507. This is the only office in Fayette County that handles driver's license renewals. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and weekdays tend to be shorter.

Bring your current Kentucky driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you are renewing an expired license, bring it anyway — the office will accept it as proof of identity even if it is no longer valid.

The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. The office accepts cash, check, and card. You will receive your new license on the spot if you are renewing in person and your information has not changed significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fayette County Clerk's Office at 101 East Vine Street is the only place in Lexington to renew your Kentucky driver's license, and you do not need an appointment.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • The renewal fee is $20 for four years or $40 for eight years, and you can pay with cash, check, or card.
  • You will receive your new license when ready if you renew in person and your information has not changed.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Kentucky license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must renew in person at the Fayette County Clerk's Office. Bring your expired license along with the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal (proof of Social Security number and current address).

The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license. You will still receive your new license on the spot. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, the office may require you to pass a vision test before issuing the new one. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Renewing by mail if you live outside Fayette County

If you live outside Lexington but hold a Kentucky license, you can renew by mail instead of traveling to Lexington. You are may be able to access to renew by mail if your license is not expired and your information (name, address, Social Security number) has not changed. You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo or if you are changing your address.

To renew by mail, contact the Fayette County Clerk's Office at (859) 253-3344 to request a renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20 (four-year license) or $40 (eight-year license), and mail it to the office at 101 East Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Your new license will arrive by mail in approximately two to three weeks. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to speed up the return.

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Kentucky offers online renewal through the state Transportation Cabinet website, but only if your license is not expired, your information has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the process.

Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and select the online renewal option. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, and you will pay by card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. If you cannot renew online because your license is expired or your information has changed, you must renew in person at the Fayette County Clerk's Office.

What to do if you have changed your name or address

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at the Fayette County Clerk's Office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name on the spot.

If you have moved to a new address in Kentucky, you can renew by mail or online only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement will work.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Kentucky driver's license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your current license — your new license will have a new expiration date six months to eight years from the date you renew, depending on which license term you choose. There is no penalty for renewing early, and many people do it to avoid the rush near their expiration date.

If you renew early in person, you will receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail or online, your new license will arrive in two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can use either one for identification during that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Kentucky does not suspend license renewals for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Fayette County Clerk's Office to check your license status before you go in.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find another proof of my Social Security number?

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration, but that takes time. For your license renewal, the office will accept a W-2, 1099, tax return, or bank statement showing your Social Security number instead. If you have none of these, call the Fayette County Clerk's Office at (859) 253-3344 to ask what other documents they will accept.

How long does it take to renew in person at the Fayette County Clerk's Office?

In-person renewals usually take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Morning hours and weekday visits tend to be faster than afternoons and weekends. There is no way to reserve a time slot, so arrive early if you want to avoid a wait.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Kentucky issues driver's licenses to non-citizens with valid immigration status. You will need proof of your legal presence in the United States, such as a green card, work visa, or I-94 form. Bring this document along with your other renewal materials to the Fayette County Clerk's Office.