Kentucky lets you replace a lost or stolen license online if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued
You can request a replacement Kentucky driver's license through the state's online portal without visiting a Regional Driver Licensing Office. The process takes about 10 business days from the time you submit your request, and the new license arrives by mail. You will need your Social Security number, current Kentucky license number, and a valid payment method — Kentucky charges $20 for a replacement license ordered online.
The online replacement option works only if your current license has not expired and your personal information on file matches what you are submitting. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your legal name, or if you moved and updated your address with the state, you cannot use the online route and must visit a driver licensing office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky's online replacement service costs $20 and takes about 10 business days from submission to delivery by mail.
- You can only use the online option if your current license is still valid and your name and address have not changed since it was issued.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a debit or credit card to complete the online request.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you have changed your legal name or address, you must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person.
What you need before you start the online request
Gather these items before you go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online portal. You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card to pay the $20 replacement fee. The system will ask you to confirm your date of birth and the address currently on file with the state.
If you are not certain whether your license is still valid or whether your address on file matches your current address, log into your account on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website first. You can check your license status and the information the state has for you before you start the replacement request. This step takes a few minutes and can save you from submitting a request that will be rejected.
How to submit your replacement request online
Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and locate the online driver's license services portal. You will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, or create an account if you do not already have one. Once you are logged in, select the option for a replacement license and confirm that you are requesting it because your license was lost or stolen.
The system will display the information currently on file for you — your name, address, and date of birth. Review this information carefully. If anything is incorrect, stop and contact the Transportation Cabinet by phone or visit a driver licensing office in person, because submitting incorrect information online will delay your replacement. If everything matches, proceed to payment, enter your debit or credit card details, and submit your request.
You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save both. The confirmation number is what you use if you need to check on your replacement license status or contact the Transportation Cabinet about your order.
When your replacement license will arrive
Kentucky typically processes online replacement requests within 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state — the same address the Transportation Cabinet has for you. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the state, the license will go to your new address. If you have not yet updated your address, the license will go to your old address, and you will need to retrieve it or request it be sent elsewhere.
You can check the status of your replacement license by logging back into the online portal with your confirmation number. The system will show you whether your request is being processed, has been approved, or has been mailed. Once it ships, you should receive it within five to seven business days, depending on mail delivery times in your area.
What to do if your online request is rejected
The most common reason an online replacement request is rejected is that the information you entered does not match what the state has on file. This happens most often when someone has moved and updated their address with the Department of Motor Vehicles but the Transportation Cabinet's system has not synced yet, or when there is a typo in the name or Social Security number field.
If your request is rejected, you will receive an email explaining why. Read it carefully — it will tell you whether the issue is with your personal information, your license status, or something else. If the rejection is due to a mismatch in your address or name, you can correct the information and resubmit. If your license has expired or you have changed your legal name, you must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person with proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or to renew your expired license.
When you must visit an office instead of ordering online
You cannot use the online replacement service if your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you are renewing rather than replacing, and renewal requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a new photo. You also cannot order online if you have changed your legal name since your license was issued — you will need to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to a driver licensing office.
If you have moved and changed your address with another state agency but the Transportation Cabinet does not show the change yet, the online system may reject your request. Contact the Transportation Cabinet to update your address first, then try the online replacement again. If you moved out of state and are now back in Kentucky, you may need to visit an office to verify your residency and get a new license with your current Kentucky address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement license online if my license is expired?
No. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can order a replacement online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person to renew it, because renewal requires a new photo and a vision test.
What happens if I submit my online request but then find my old license?
Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet right away with your confirmation number and let them know you found your license. They may be able to cancel your replacement order before it ships. If the replacement has already been mailed, you will receive it anyway — you can then destroy the duplicate or keep it as a backup.
Will my replacement license have the same number as my lost license?
Yes. A replacement license carries the same number as your original license. The only thing that changes is the issue date and expiration date. Your license number stays the same throughout your life unless you change your legal name.
How long does it take to get my replacement license if I order online?
The Transportation Cabinet processes online requests within 10 business days, and then the license is mailed to you. Delivery typically takes another five to seven business days, so plan for two to three weeks total from the time you submit your request to the time it arrives.
Can I use the online replacement service if I changed my address but have not updated it with the state yet?
No. The online system will reject your request if your current address does not match what the state has on file. Update your address with the Transportation Cabinet first, either online or at a driver licensing office, then submit your replacement request.