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 works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to an office or sit down to renew online, 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 your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office location. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license is not expired, has no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this takes minutes and costs $48 or $96 depending on the term you choose.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office takes 15 to 30 minutes and works for anyone, including those with address changes or medical conditions.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew; you can use your old license until it arrives.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you'll answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information are still correct, upload a new photo (or use your existing one), review the information, and pay the fee.
Once you submit, you'll 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 continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you'll need to visit a Driver Licensing office in person. This usually means your license has expired, you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed, or your address has changed and the system requires an in-person update.
Renewing in person at a Driver Licensing office
Find your nearest Kentucky Driver Licensing office on the Transportation Cabinet website or by calling 502-564-6800. Offices are located in most counties, and you can visit any office — you don't have to go to the one in your county. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday hours.
Walk in with your documents, take a number, and wait to be called. The staff member will check your documents, ask you to confirm your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
If you're renewing because your license is expiring soon or has recently expired, you can renew up to six months before the expiration date or up to two years after it expires. Renewing early extends your license term from the new renewal date, not from your old expiration date.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. Contact your local Driver Licensing office to schedule these tests and learn what documents you'll need to bring.
The knowledge test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. The driving skills test is a practical exam where an examiner rides with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks. Both tests have fees in addition to the license fee.
Address changes and other updates
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. You can do this online during online renewal if your new address is the only thing that has changed and your license is not expired. If you're renewing in person, straightforward tell the staff member your new address and bring proof of it (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you need to change your name, gender marker, or medical information, you must renew in person. Bring the appropriate documents: a marriage certificate or court order for a name change, a court order or updated medical certification for other changes.
Using your license while you wait for the new one
Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you've renewed. If you renewed online, you'll receive a confirmation number — keep it with you in case you're asked for proof of renewal. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is in the mail.
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you haven't received it, contact the Driver Licensing office where you renewed to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, you can renew up to two years after expiration. If it's been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead, which includes a knowledge test and driving skills test. Renew as soon as possible — an expired license is not valid for driving.
Do I have to renew in person, or can I always use the online option?
Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, has no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing office.
What if I don't have a recent utility bill or lease to prove my address?
A bank statement, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or government document dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have none of these, contact your local Driver Licensing office to ask what other documents they accept — some offices have flexibility for people in unusual situations.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says 7 to 10 business days. If you haven't received it after two weeks, call 502-564-6800 or visit the office where you renewed to check whether it was mailed and to what address.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The staff member will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.