Where to renew your Kentucky driver's license
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 is always available. The online route works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
To find the office nearest you, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and search for "driver licensing offices" by county. Most counties have at least one office; larger counties have several. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept them and may have shorter wait times.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online only if your license is not yet expired and has no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment by cash, check, or card — no appointment needed at most locations.
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website takes about 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal.
- If your license is expired, you cannot renew online and must go to a Driver Licensing office in person.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Kentucky driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired, bring the same documents as for a new license, including proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and proof of Kentucky residency.
How much it costs and how to pay
The cost of renewal depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $40. The Driver Licensing office will tell you which length applies to you based on your age and driving record.
You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card at any Driver Licensing office. Online renewal costs $20 for a four-year license and $35 for an eight-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card only.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
To renew online, go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
Online renewal takes about 10 business days from the time you submit your payment. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You cannot change your address online; if your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing office.
What to expect at the Driver Licensing office
Arrive with your documents and be ready to have your photo taken and your signature captured. The process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the Driver Licensing office where you renewed to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until your permanent one arrives.
Renewing before your license expires
Kentucky allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date your old one would have expired, not from the date you renew. This means renewing early does not give you extra time on your license.
The main reason to renew early is to avoid the rush near your expiration date or to take advantage of online renewal while you still can. Once your license expires, you can only renew in person.
If your license is expired or lost
If your license is expired, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a Driver Licensing office in person and bring the same documents as for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The cost is the same as a regular renewal.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Driver Licensing office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and will have the same expiration date as your original license would have had.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky driver's license by mail?
No. Kentucky does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you are may be able to access, or in person at a Driver Licensing office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal since you do not have to visit an office.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Kentucky license?
You cannot renew a Kentucky license online if you have moved. You must renew in person at a Kentucky Driver Licensing office and bring proof of your current out-of-state address. If you plan to stay out of state, you may want to get a driver's license from your new state instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready after renewal. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, use the temporary license.
Can I renew online if I have medical restrictions on my license?
No. If your license has any medical restrictions or conditions, you must renew in person so the Driver Licensing office can review your medical status. Bring any updated medical documentation your doctor has provided.
What if the Driver Licensing office is closed when I need to renew?
Most Driver Licensing offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for the hours of your nearest office. If you cannot visit during those hours, consider renewing online if you are may be able to access.