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 online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; online renewal is faster but not available to everyone.

Before you go or log on, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Kentucky 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.

The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office location. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a medical suspension, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for four years or $48 for eight years, paid at the time of renewal.
  • If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal produces a temporary license you can use when ready.

Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not may be able to access for it, you will need to visit an office instead. You are may be able to access to renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have never had a medical suspension on your driving record, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.

Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You will then review your information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay the fee by debit or credit card.

After you submit your renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a Driver Licensing office

Visit any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office with your documents. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use a ticket system. Check the office locator on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to find the office nearest you and see its hours.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the legal document showing the change. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Kentucky Driver's License) at the office or read it beforehand to save time.

The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact your local Driver Licensing office for details on how to schedule the test.

If your license expired within the last three years, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, and the office will process it as a renewal rather than a new process. You will not need to retake the written or driving test.

Renewing if your address has changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a Driver Licensing office in person and bring proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

The office will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct information. Your temporary paper license will show your new address, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing if you have had a medical suspension

If your license was suspended for medical reasons—such as a seizure, loss of consciousness, or a condition affecting your ability to drive safely—you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver Licensing office in person.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and any medical documentation the office requests. The staff may ask you to provide a letter from your doctor stating that your condition no longer affects your ability to drive. Once the office reviews your medical records and clears you, your renewal will be processed normally.

Getting a replacement if your license is lost or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at any Driver Licensing office. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The replacement fee is $10.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep the report number for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license if I live out of state?

No, you must renew in person at a Kentucky Driver Licensing office. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. You can keep your Kentucky license as a second ID, but you cannot renew it by mail or online from another state.

How long does my renewed license last?

You can choose a four-year license for $25 or an eight-year license for $48 when you renew. Your new license will expire on the date you choose, and you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days that you can use when ready for driving and identification. If you renewed online, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need a license sooner, visit a Driver Licensing office and request an expedited replacement for an additional fee.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?

Yes, you will take a vision screening at the office during in-person renewal. If you renew online, you will be asked to confirm that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision screening, the office will not issue your license until you provide a vision correction prescription or letter from an eye doctor.

Can I change my name on my license when I renew?

Yes, but you must bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue your new license with the correct name. This applies whether you renew in person or online, though online renewal requires you to mail in the legal document after submitting your process.