Kentucky replaces lost licenses through the Department of Transportation, and the fastest route is in person at a regional office
To replace a lost or damaged Kentucky driver's license, you will visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office run by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. You cannot do this by mail or online — Kentucky requires you to appear in person and provide identification. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license the same day while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The cost is $20.50 for a standard replacement license. If your license was damaged (rather than lost), you may be able to renew it at the same time for an additional fee, which varies depending on how many years remain on your current license. Bring your Social Security number and at least one form of current identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person; Kentucky does not offer mail or online replacement for lost licenses.
- Bring one current form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and know your Social Security number before you go.
- The replacement fee is $20.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was damaged rather than lost, ask about renewing it at the same time, which may save you a trip later.
- Regional offices are located in most counties; use the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to find the one nearest you and check hours before you visit.
What to bring to the Regional Driver Licensing Office
You will need one current form of identification. Kentucky accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or federal employee ID. If you do not have any of these, call the office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they will accept, and this varies slightly by location.
You will also need to know your Social Security number. Write it down before you leave home so you do not have to search for it at the counter. Bring the $20.50 replacement fee in cash or card — all Regional Driver Licensing Offices accept both.
If your original license was damaged (torn, faded, or water-damaged), bring it with you. The office staff will examine it to determine whether replacement or renewal is the right path, and this can affect the total cost.
Finding your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office
Kentucky has Regional Driver Licensing Offices in most counties. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet maintains a searchable office locator on its website at transportation.ky.gov. Enter your county name or city, and the locator will show you the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Call ahead if you can. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some accept appointments or have peak hours when wait times are longer. A quick phone call can tell you the best time to visit and confirm that the office has the forms you need in stock.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile licensing units that travel to smaller towns on a rotating schedule. Ask the main office whether a mobile unit serves your area and when it will be in your town next.
What happens when you arrive at the office
Tell the staff member at the counter that you are replacing a lost or damaged license. They will ask you to fill out a form — usually the DL 44 (process for Kentucky Driver's License). This form asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and basic information about your vision and medical history. You will sign it in front of the staff member.
Next, they will take your photograph and scan your identification document. The photo is used on your new permanent license. They will also verify your Social Security number and run a check to confirm you do not have an active suspension or revocation on your record.
Once everything checks out, you will pay the $20.50 fee. The staff member will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Keep this paper license with you — it is legal to drive on it, and you will need it if you are stopped by police before your permanent card arrives.
When your permanent license arrives in the mail
Your new driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you move before it arrives, contact the Regional Driver Licensing Office when ready with your new address so they can redirect the mail.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to the office — straightforward throw it away. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued (or until your birthday in the year it expires, depending on your age at issuance).
If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, call the Regional Driver Licensing Office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and reissue it if there was a mailing problem.
Replacing a license if you have an active suspension or revocation
If your driving record shows an active suspension or revocation, the Regional Driver Licensing Office will not issue you a replacement license until the suspension is lifted. This is different from a lost license — it is a legal hold on your driving privileges.
Before you visit the office, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Driver Licensing Section to find out why your license is suspended or revoked. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Once you resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine, satisfy the court order, or complete a required program), you can return to the office and explore for reinstatement.
Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension. Call ahead so you know exactly what you owe and what documents you need to bring.
Replacing a license if you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your current ID. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change.
The Regional Driver Licensing Office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a replacement, so the fee is still $20.50. The process is the same as a standard replacement — you will receive a temporary paper license and a permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Kentucky requires you to appear in person at the Regional Driver Licensing Office to explore for a replacement license. You cannot have someone else explore on your behalf, and you cannot pick up someone else's license. This is a security measure to prevent fraud.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still must explore for a replacement through Kentucky. If you are out of state and cannot travel back to Kentucky when ready, you can request a temporary driving permit by mail, though this is not the same as a replacement license. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Driver Licensing Section to ask about options for your situation.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license?
No. A replacement license is issued without a test. You are straightforward getting a new copy of your existing license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement, but a straightforward replacement does not require testing.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Tell the staff member at the Regional Driver Licensing Office that you want to update your address. They will print your new address on the replacement license at no extra charge. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license would have expired in 2027, your replacement license will also expire in 2027. You do not get a fresh eight-year term just because you replaced it.