What you need before you start
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license online through the state's Transportation Cabinet website, but only if your license meets certain conditions. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have not had any address changes since it was issued, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those things are not true, you will need to renew in person at a driver's licensing office instead.
Before you begin, gather your current Kentucky driver's license and a valid payment method. Kentucky accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for the renewal fee. You will also need an email address where you can receive your confirmation.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes if you have everything ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days after your payment is processed.
Key Takeaways
- You can only renew online if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — Kentucky offers 4-year and 8-year options.
- You will need your current driver's license number and a credit or debit card to complete the transaction online.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
Step-by-step: completing the renewal online
Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal at drive.ky.gov. Look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you are logged in, review the information on your record. The system will show your current address, name, and other details. If anything looks wrong — even a misspelling — you cannot fix it online and will need to visit a driver's licensing office in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to confirm your information and move to payment.
Select whether you want a 4-year or 8-year license. The 8-year option costs more but lasts longer, so choose based on how long you want to wait before renewing again. Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email when ready after payment processes.
When you cannot renew online
If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Kentucky driver's licensing office. The same is true if you have moved since your license was issued — you will need to update your address in person, and you cannot do that through the online system.
You also cannot renew online if you want to change your photo. Kentucky allows you to keep your current photo during online renewal, but if you want a new one, you must go to a licensing office with a valid ID and proof of residency. Similarly, if you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status, those changes require an in-person visit.
If you are not sure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 before you attempt the process. Staff can tell you in a few minutes whether you are may be able to access.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your payment is processed when ready, and you will see a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or print this number in case you need to check on your order later. The Transportation Cabinet will mail your new license to the address currently on file — they cannot send it to a different address through the online system.
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal. In that case, you would need to renew in person at a driver's licensing office, where you can sometimes receive a temporary license the same day.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 with your confirmation number. They can look up your order and tell you where it is in the mail.
Fees and payment details
The renewal fee depends on which license term you choose. A 4-year renewal costs less than an 8-year renewal. The exact amount is shown on the Transportation Cabinet website before you enter your payment information, so you will know the total before you are charged.
Kentucky accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There is a small processing fee added to your total when you pay by card. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system — card payment is the only option for online renewal.
Keeping your license valid between renewals
Your renewed license is valid for either 4 or 8 years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you selected. You do not need to do anything to set up it — it becomes your valid license as soon as it arrives in the mail. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Mark your calendar for when your new license will expire so you can plan your next renewal ahead of time. If you wait until your license is expired, you will have to renew in person, which takes longer than the online process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license online if I moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved since your license was issued, you must renew in person at a Kentucky driver's licensing office to update your address. You cannot change your address through the online renewal system.
What if I forgot my driver's license number?
You will need your license number to start the online renewal. If you cannot find it, you can call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 and they can look it up for you using your name and date of birth. Alternatively, you can renew in person at any driver's licensing office without needing to know the number in advance.
Will my temporary license work while I wait for my new one in the mail?
You do not receive a temporary license through online renewal. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification and driving. If you need a temporary license before your new one arrives, you would need to renew in person at a driver's licensing office instead.
Can I change my photo during online renewal?
No. Online renewal keeps your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Kentucky driver's licensing office with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
What if my payment is declined?
The system will tell you when ready if your card is declined. Check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and security code correctly, then try again. If the problem continues, contact your bank to make sure the card is not blocked, or try a different card.