How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Renewing your Kentucky driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Kentucky driver's license through three routes: online at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at an office takes a few hours but handles complications on the spot.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to change information like your address. Standard licenses can renew online or by mail. Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) must renew in person. If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot use the online or mail routes — you must go to an office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website takes about 7 to 10 business days and works for standard licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than three years ago.
Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 44, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks total.
In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office handles address changes, name changes, and expired licenses without delay, though you will need to bring documents proving your identity and residency.
Your renewal fee in Kentucky is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, regardless of which method you choose.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit an office in person.

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website

Go to drive.ky.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal works only if your license is not yet expired or expired less than three years ago, you have no address or name changes to make, and your license is not a CDL. If any of those conditions do not explore, the website will tell you to renew in person or by mail instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, 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 do not receive a temporary license when you renew online. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print your confirmation page and carry it with your expired license — some law enforcement will accept this combination, though it is not may provide. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person instead.

Mail renewal using Form DL 44

Request Form DL 44 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by calling 502-564-6800 or read it from drive.ky.gov. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want your new license mailed. Do not sign the form until you are ready to mail it — your signature must be fresh.

Mail your completed Form DL 44, your current Kentucky driver's license, and a check or money order for $48 (four-year license) or $96 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back, though most people do not request it. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Cabinet receives your packet.

Mail renewal does not work if your license is expired more than three years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you hold a CDL. If you have any changes to make, renew in person instead. The Cabinet does not send temporary licenses by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive while waiting.

In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office

Visit any Kentucky Driver's Licensing Office with your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or state ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your name or address, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Processing at an office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can find office locations and hours at drive.ky.gov or by calling 502-564-6800. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's policy before you go.

What to do if your license expired more than three years ago

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than three years. You must visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number.

The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license, take a new photo, and issue a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee remains $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Kentucky driver's licenses cost $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You choose the validity period when you renew — you do not have to keep the same length you had before.

Your new license will be valid for the period you select, starting from the date you renew. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license validity starts on the expiration date of your old one, not on the date you renew. This means you do not lose time by renewing early.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you need to change your address or name, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a Driver's Licensing Office in person. Bring proof of the change: a utility bill or lease for an address change, or a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. The document must be dated within the last 60 days for address changes.

The office will update your information, take a new photo, and issue a temporary license. Your new license with the updated information will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The renewal fee is still $48 or $96 depending on the validity period you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires using any method — online, by mail, or in person. If you renew early, your new license validity starts on the expiration date of your old one, so you do not lose any time.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a replacement license with a new number. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total from when the Cabinet receives your packet. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No. Commercial Driver's Licenses must renew in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. The office will handle any medical certifications or endorsements you need.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Driver's Licensing Office to change your address. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), proof of identity, and your Social Security card. The office will update your address and issue a new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.