Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license in person at any Regional Driver Licensing Office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in your hands.
Before you go anywhere or submit anything, gather these documents: your current Kentucky driver's license, proof of your 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 you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Kentucky does not charge a separate renewal fee — you pay when you renew, and the cost depends on the type of license and how long you want it valid. Standard renewals are available for four or eight years. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call your local office before you go to confirm current fees and office hours, since these can vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office, by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days to any in-person renewal.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to you, which typically takes one to two weeks after processing.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Renewing in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office
Walk into any Regional Driver Licensing Office with your documents and a completed process form (Form DL 44, available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or at the office itself). You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your driving record and medical history. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives within one to two weeks.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to your appointment. If your vision has changed since your last license, you may be asked to visit an eye doctor before your renewal is processed. Find your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website by entering your county or city.
Renewing by mail if you are still within the valid period
You can renew by mail only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you do not need a new photo, and you have not had any major changes to your medical history or driving record. Mail your current license, a completed Form DL 44, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
Include a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send original documents; send copies only. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the office receives your envelope, so send it well before your license expires if you plan to drive during that period.
If the office finds a problem with your process — a missing signature, an outdated address, or a change in your medical status that requires an in-person visit — they will contact you by mail. This can add another week or two to the process, so mail renewal works best if you have time to spare.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is still valid, you do not need a new photo, and you have not had major changes to your medical history or driving record. Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts to enter your license number, date of birth, and other identifying information.
You will pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The system will verify your identity and, if everything checks out, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the system flags any issues — an address that does not match their records, a medical condition that needs review, or a change in your name — you will be directed to renew in person instead. This is not a rejection; it straightforward means the office needs to see you face-to-face to complete the renewal.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test and the driving skills test. Bring all your documents to a Regional Driver Licensing Office. The office will assess whether you need to test based on how long your license has been expired and your driving record.
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can usually renew in person without retesting, though the office may ask you to pass a vision test or answer questions about changes in your medical history. Call your local office before you go to confirm what to expect.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online — you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a completed Form DL 44. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test.
If you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive commercially, bring documentation from your doctor. The office may require a medical examination form (Form MCSA-5875) completed by a certified medical examiner. CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because of these additional requirements, so plan for 45 minutes to an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Kentucky allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew.
What if I have moved and my address on file is wrong?
If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and the office will update your address during the renewal. If you renew by mail or online, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file, so update your address in person or call the office before you submit a mail or online renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required at most Regional Driver Licensing Offices, but some offices accept them to reduce wait times. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for your local office to see whether appointments are available and how to schedule one.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must renew in person and request a replacement. Bring your documents and tell the office your license is missing. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The office will issue a temporary paper license and mail your new permanent license within one to two weeks.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license has not arrived by then and you need to drive, return to the office to request an extension. Extensions are usually granted if your renewal is still being processed.