Get a replacement license at your county clerk's office or online through Kentucky's portal

If you've lost your Kentucky driver's license, you have two paths: order a replacement online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's website, or visit your county clerk's office in person. The online route is faster — you'll receive your new license by mail in about 7 to 10 business days — but it works only if your license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your address since it was issued. If either of those is true, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face, your county clerk can issue a replacement the same day.

You'll need to pay a replacement fee. Kentucky charges $20 for a standard replacement license, though the fee may vary slightly if you're also renewing or changing information on your license. Bring a valid form of ID to your clerk's office — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you're ordering online, you'll need your Social Security number and the driver's license number you're replacing.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if your license hasn't expired and your address hasn't changed; you'll get your replacement in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Visit your county clerk's office in person if your license is expired, your address has changed, or you need the replacement the same day.
  • Bring a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) to the clerk's office, or have your Social Security number and old license number ready if ordering online.
  • The replacement fee is $20, payable by cash, check, or card depending on which method you choose.
  • If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, report it to your local police department before ordering a replacement.

Ordering your replacement online through Kentucky's system

Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's official website and look for the "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" option under the driver's license section. You'll enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against Kentucky's records and confirm that your license is still valid and your address hasn't changed.

Once approved, you'll pay the $20 fee by debit or credit card. Kentucky will mail your replacement license to the address on file. If you need to change your address at the same time, you cannot use the online replacement — you must visit your county clerk instead. The online system is designed only for straightforward replacements when nothing else on your license needs updating.

Replacing your license in person at the county clerk's office

Find your county clerk's office location and hours on the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Bring one valid form of ID — a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or federal employee ID all work. You'll also need to bring the $20 replacement fee in cash or check; some offices accept card payments, but call ahead to confirm.

Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. They'll take your information, take a new photo (unless your current photo is less than a year old and you're not changing your appearance), and issue your replacement on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has expired or your address has changed, the clerk will handle both the replacement and the update in one visit. This is also the route to take if you've lost your license and your Social Security number or other personal information has changed since you last renewed.

What to do if your license was stolen, not lost

If you believe someone stole your license rather than it straightforward going missing, file a report with your local police department first. Get a copy of the report number — you'll need it when you order your replacement. This step protects you if the license is used fraudulently and creates an official record that you reported it.

When you order your replacement (online or at the clerk's office), mention that it was stolen and provide the police report number. Kentucky may flag your account to watch for suspicious activity. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to add another layer of protection, though this is separate from replacing your license.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

If you visit your county clerk in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card — you can drive, show it to police, and use it for age verification. Keep it in a safe place until your permanent license arrives.

If you ordered online, you won't have a temporary license. Kentucky will mail your replacement to your address on file, and you should not drive until it arrives unless you have another valid form of ID (such as a passport or military ID) that you can carry instead. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you don't have another ID, visit your county clerk to get a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state since your Kentucky license was issued, you cannot use Kentucky's online replacement system. You'll need to visit your county clerk's office in person or contact them by phone to discuss your options. Some clerks can mail you a replacement if you provide a notarized affidavit confirming your identity, though this varies by county.

Your fastest option is usually to get a driver's license in your new state instead. Most states will accept your lost Kentucky license number and Social Security number as proof of prior licensure, which speeds up the process. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what documents you'll need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

If you got a temporary paper license from your county clerk, yes — it's valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as your permanent card. If you ordered online, you should not drive until your replacement arrives unless you have another valid form of ID like a passport or military ID. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit your clerk's office to get a temporary license.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Kentucky typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery time depends on your location within the state. If you ordered online and haven't received your license after two weeks, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to check the status.

What if I lost my license and my address has changed?

You cannot update your address through the online replacement system. Visit your county clerk's office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The clerk will handle the replacement and address change in one visit.

Do I need to report a lost license to the police?

You only need to file a police report if you believe your license was stolen or used fraudulently. If it's straightforward lost, a police report is not required to get a replacement. However, filing one protects you if someone uses the license illegally.

Can I get a replacement license if my current one is expired?

Yes, but you must visit your county clerk in person — the online system works only for valid, unexpired licenses. The clerk will issue a replacement and renew your license at the same time. You may pay a combined fee depending on how long your license has been expired.