Where to go and what to bring

You replace a Kentucky driver's license at your county's Division of Driver Licensing office, not at the DMV — Kentucky calls it the Transportation Cabinet. You can find your local office on the state website by entering your county name. Some offices are in courthouses; others are standalone buildings.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state license all work. If your license was stolen, bring a police report. If it was damaged, bring what's left of it.

You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than three years. If it expired less than three years ago, you can renew by mail or online instead of going in person — that process is faster and costs less.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your county's Division of Driver Licensing office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid ID.
  • If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office.
  • A replacement license costs $20 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license on the day you explore.
  • Hours and wait times vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go.

Cost and how long it takes

A replacement license costs $20. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your paperwork. The new license is mailed to the address on file, and it usually arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office staff for a temporary paper license — they can issue one the same day at no extra cost. This temporary is valid for 30 days and looks like a printed form, not a card. Keep it with you while you drive.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or failure to appear in court. The Division of Driver Licensing will tell you what you owe or what you need to do when you call or visit.

Once you have paid fines or completed required programs, you can explore for reinstatement. Reinstatement costs $50 and requires a new process. The office will walk you through the steps when you contact them about your specific case.

Replacing a license that expired more than three years ago

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must retake the written test and the road test. You cannot renew by mail or online. Schedule a road test appointment through the Division of Driver Licensing website or by phone, and bring the same documents you would for a replacement.

The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free on the state website. The road test checks basic driving skills — parking, turning, and following traffic laws. Most people pass on their first try if they have driven recently.

Replacing your license if you have changed your name

If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. The office will issue a new license with your current name at no extra charge beyond the $20 replacement fee.

If you are in the process of a legal name change and do not yet have the final court order, ask the office what documents they will accept in the meantime. Some offices will issue a temporary license while you wait for the paperwork to be finalized.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

If you live out of state or cannot travel to Kentucky, you can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than three years ago. read the renewal form from the Division of Driver Licensing website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency and a check for $20 to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because the office must receive your form, process it, and mail your new license back. If you need a license sooner, you will need to visit an office in person or ask someone you trust to go on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license the same day I explore?

Yes. Ask the office staff for a temporary paper license when you submit your replacement paperwork. It is issued when ready and is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. The office will print your new address on the replacement license at no extra cost.

Do I have to take the road test again if my license expired?

Only if it expired more than three years ago. If it expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew without retesting. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid ID to your county office.

How much does it cost to replace a lost Kentucky license?

The replacement fee is $20. If your license was suspended or revoked and you need reinstatement instead, the fee is $50. Pay at the office when you submit your paperwork.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still replace it through Kentucky's Division of Driver Licensing. If you cannot travel back to Kentucky, use the mail renewal process if your license expired fewer than three years ago. Otherwise, you will need to visit a Kentucky office in person or have someone go on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney.