What you need to get a Kentucky driver's license
Kentucky issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation, Division of Driver Licensing. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person — you cannot complete the process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing and your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a valid license. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you take the written test. Kentucky recognizes online driver education courses, but you must bring your completion certificate to the licensing office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — online and mail renewal are not available.
- First-time drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course and pass both a written test and a vision test.
- Kentucky licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 65 and six years for drivers 65 and older, and renewal notices are mailed about 60 days before expiration.
- The fee for a four-year license is $38 and for a six-year license is $57; additional fees explore if you need a duplicate or a name change.
- You can check your local office's wait times and hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you visit.
Where to find your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office
Kentucky operates Regional Driver Licensing Offices across the state. The main office is in Frankfort, but there are branch offices in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, and Pikeville. You can visit any office regardless of where you live.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times. Wait times vary widely — some offices have walk-in service with minimal delays, while others require you to arrive early or call ahead. Many offices now use a ticket system where you take a number and wait your turn, but this varies by location.
If you cannot reach an office easily, some county clerk offices in Kentucky also handle certain licensing transactions, though not all. Call your county clerk's office first to ask whether they can renew your license or issue a duplicate.
The written test and what it covers
The written knowledge test has 40 questions and covers Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is available in English and Spanish.
You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Transportation Cabinet website. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test; there is no waiting period between studying and testing.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Graduated licensing for drivers under 18
Kentucky's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system has two stages: a learner's permit and a restricted license. You must hold each stage for a set time before moving to the next.
To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 16 years old, complete a driver education course, and pass the written test and vision test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.
After holding the learner's permit for at least 180 days, you can take the road test and get a restricted license. With a restricted license, you can drive alone during the day, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. and cannot use a cell phone. You must hold the restricted license for at least 180 days before you can get an unrestricted license.
License fees and how long they last
A four-year driver's license costs $38. If you are 65 or older, you can get a six-year license for $57. These fees cover the license itself and are paid at the time you visit the office.
Kentucky will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it without retaking the written test or vision test, though you will still need to visit an office in person.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the written test and vision test, and you may need to retake the road test depending on how long it has been since you last drove.
Getting a duplicate or changing your name
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at any Regional Driver Licensing Office. A duplicate costs $6 and is issued on the spot. You will need to show proof of identity and residency.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you can update it when you renew your license or at any time by visiting an office. Bring your current license and the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee for a name change is $6 if you are not renewing, or it is included in the renewal fee if you renew at the same time.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like flying or entering a federal building, you will need to bring additional documents proving citizenship or immigration status. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires extra verification.
What happens if you let your license expire
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if the expiration was recent. If you are stopped, you can be cited and fined. However, if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the written or vision tests.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the renewal process is more involved. You will need to retake the written test and vision test. Depending on how long the license has been expired, you may also need to retake the road test. The fees are the same as for a standard renewal.
If you are unsure whether you need to retake tests, call your local Regional Driver Licensing Office and ask. They can tell you based on how long your license has been expired and your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license online or by mail?
No. Kentucky requires all license renewals and new licenses to be processed in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license is not yet expired.
How long does it take to get a license after I visit the office?
Your license is usually issued on the day you visit the office. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card typically arrives within one to two weeks.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee. Your instructor will tell you what you need to work on before your next attempt.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly within the United States?
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, a standard Kentucky driver's license will not be accepted for domestic flights. You will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID like a passport. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require proof of citizenship or immigration status.
Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support debt?
Kentucky can suspend your license if you have unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or certain other debts. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the debt before you can renew or get a new license. Contact the agency that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and how to pay it.