Change your Kentucky driver's license address in person at a driver's licensing office, by mail, or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website

Kentucky lets you update your address three ways: online through the state website (fastest, if your license is not expired), by mail with a form and proof of residence, or in person at any driver's licensing office. You do not need to renew your license to change the address — the state treats an address change as a separate transaction. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid and how quickly you need the change recorded.

The online method takes minutes if you have a valid Kentucky license and a computer. The mail method takes one to two weeks but requires no appointment. In-person visits at a licensing office are same-day but may involve a wait, depending on the office location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only if your Kentucky driver's license has not expired and you have access to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
  • By mail, you send a completed form DL 44 (Address Change), a copy of your current license, and proof of your new address to the Frankfort office.
  • In-person changes at any Kentucky driver's licensing office take one visit and are processed the same day, though you may wait in line.
  • Proof of residence means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.
  • You will receive a new license card in the mail within two weeks of approval, whether you change your address online, by mail, or in person.

Changing your address online through the Kentucky website

Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online services portal at drive.ky.gov. Click on the option for address change or license information update. You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. The system will confirm the address format and ask you to review it before submitting. Once you submit, the state processes the change and mails you a new license card within two weeks. You do not pay a fee for an address change online. This method works only if your license has not expired — if it has, you must renew it at the same time, which requires an in-person visit or mail renewal.

Mailing in an address change form and proof of residence

read or request form DL 44 (Address Change) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by calling the Frankfort office at 502-564-6800. Fill in your name, current license number, and new address. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include both copies with your form.

You must also include proof that you live at the new address. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, copies of your license, and proof of residence to:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Section State Office Building 501 High Street Frankfort, KY 40601

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. You will receive your new license card by mail. There is no fee for an address change.

Changing your address in person at a driver's licensing office

Find your nearest Kentucky driver's licensing office on the Transportation Cabinet website and check its hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept appointments through the online portal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Tell the clerk you are changing your address only, not renewing your license. The clerk will verify your information, confirm your new address, and take a new photo if your current license photo is more than eight years old. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new card is printed and mailed. Your permanent license card arrives within two weeks. There is no fee.

What counts as proof of your new address

Kentucky requires a document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your current address. Government mail such as a property tax notice, voter registration card, or court document with your name and address also counts.

A piece of mail addressed to you at the new address but from a private company (such as a credit card statement or insurance bill) is usually accepted. A post office change-of-address form does not count by itself. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, call your local driver's licensing office to ask what temporary proof they will accept — some offices make exceptions for recent moves.

Timeline and what happens after you submit your change

Online changes are recorded when ready, but your new card is mailed within two weeks. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks to process from receipt, then another week or two for the card to arrive by mail. In-person changes are recorded the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your new card is printed and mailed within two weeks.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card or return it to a driver's licensing office if you prefer. Your old license is no longer valid for identification purposes. If you do not receive your new card within three weeks of submitting your change, contact the Frankfort office at 502-564-6800 to confirm the change was processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Kentucky law requires you to notify the Transportation Cabinet of a new address within 10 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not a criminal offense, but it can complicate traffic stops and is considered a violation. Updating your address is straightforward and free, so it is worth doing promptly.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you must renew your license at the same time. You cannot change the address on an expired license through the online portal or by mail. You will need to visit a driver's licensing office in person to renew and update your address together. Bring your expired license, proof of residence, and proof of identity.

What if I move before my new license card arrives?

Contact the Frankfort office at 502-564-6800 with your new address before the card ships. The office can update the mailing address on file so your card goes to your current home. If the card arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from the new resident or contact the office to request a replacement card be sent to your correct address.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No, address changes are free. You pay a fee only if you are renewing your license at the same time. An address-only change costs nothing whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No, you must submit the change yourself. If you are unable to visit an office in person, you can mail in the form with your signature, a copy of your license, and proof of residence. The office will process it and mail your new card to the address you provide.