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 only works if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a 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 the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You'll also need to upload a photo that meets Kentucky's requirements: a clear, color headshot taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face fully visible.

Key Takeaways

  • Kentucky lets you renew online if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can pick it up when ready if you renew in person.
  • A standard Kentucky driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Online renewal step by step

Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal at drive.ky.gov. Click "Renew Your License" and select "Online Renewal." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it.

Next, you'll upload a photo. Take a new headshot against a plain wall or background, make sure your face takes up most of the frame, and save it as a JPG or PNG file. The system will guide you through positioning and lighting. Once your photo is accepted, you'll review your information one more time, pay the renewal fee (currently $20 for a five-year license), and submit.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office

Find your nearest Driver Licensing office on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment—walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring all your documents to the office. A staff member will check your documents, take a new photo (you cannot use your own), verify your information, and process your renewal. The fee is $20 for a five-year license. You'll receive your new license on the spot, or it will be mailed to you if the office is out of stock.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail in a renewal form (DL 44) along with your documents and payment. read the form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, include a copy of your current license, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail.

When your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew online or in person using the same process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing office—online renewal is not an option.

If your license will expire within 30 days, you can renew now even if the system shows your license is still valid. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; a five-year license issued today will still expire five years from today.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document. You must renew in person; online renewal does not allow name changes.

If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal as long as you provide proof of your new address. For in-person renewal, tell the staff member your new address and bring proof (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Fees and what affects the cost

A standard five-year Kentucky driver's license costs $20 to renew. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights), the fee is $20 as well—Kentucky includes REAL ID compliance in all standard licenses at no extra charge.

If you have medical restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required), you must renew in person so the examiner can verify the restriction is still necessary. The fee remains $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet before you can renew. Contact the Cabinet's Driver Licensing division to find out what steps are required and whether you need to retake a test or pay a reinstatement fee.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You'll need to visit a Driver Licensing office in person with your proof of identity and address. The fee for a replacement is $10. You cannot replace a license online.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?

For online renewal, no. For in-person renewal, the staff member will perform a quick vision screening as part of the process. If you fail, you may be required to visit an eye doctor and bring documentation of your vision correction before your license is issued.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard Kentucky driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your renewal notice will show the expiration date. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.

What if my photo was rejected during online renewal?

The system will tell you why—usually because your face is too small, the background is not plain, or the lighting is poor. Take a new photo following the guidelines and upload it again. If you keep having trouble, you can renew in person instead and let the office take your photo.