Kentucky replaces lost driver's licenses through the Transportation Cabinet, and the process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person

If your Kentucky driver's license is lost, you will need to request a replacement from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing. You can do this in person at any Regional Driver Licensing Office, or by mail using Form DL 44. The in-person route is faster — you walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route costs less and works if you cannot reach an office. Either way, you will need to prove your identity and residency, and you will pay a replacement fee.

The key difference between the two routes is speed and what you get when ready. In-person replacement gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Mail replacement means waiting for everything by post, which takes roughly two weeks from the date the Cabinet receives your form. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the in-person temporary is the only option.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a Regional Driver Licensing Office takes one visit and gives you a temporary license the same day; mail replacement takes two weeks but costs less.
  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of Kentucky residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license; expedited mail service costs $15 extra if you choose the mail route.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, unless your original license was already expired.

In-Person Replacement at a Regional Driver Licensing Office

Walk into any Kentucky Regional Driver Licensing Office with your documents and you can leave with a temporary license the same day. The office will verify your identity, take a new photo, and issue a paper temporary valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card is printed at the state facility and mailed to your address on file, usually arriving within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of Kentucky residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement), and know your Social Security number. The office staff will complete the replacement form in front of you. The fee is $20, paid by cash or card depending on the office.

Regional offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary slightly by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Some offices take walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Call ahead or check the website to confirm whether your local office requires an appointment.

Mail Replacement Using Form DL 44

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail Form DL 44 (process for Operator License or Instruction Permit) directly to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. read the form from the Cabinet website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your ID and residency proof to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20 payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

The Cabinet processes mail requests in the order received. Once they receive your form, expect your replacement license to arrive by mail in 10 to 14 business days. You will not receive a temporary license by mail — you must wait for the permanent card. If you need to drive before it arrives, you have no option through the mail route; you must visit an office in person.

Expedited mail service is available for an additional $15 fee. With expedited processing, your license should arrive within 5 to 7 business days instead of 10 to 14. Write "EXPEDITED" on the envelope and include both the $20 replacement fee and the $15 expedited fee.

What Happens If Your License Was Already Expired

If your lost license had already expired, the replacement process is the same, but your new license will be issued with a new expiration date. Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. The Cabinet will assign an expiration date based on your birth month and the current date, not the expiration of your original lost license.

This means replacing an expired license costs the same $20 as replacing a current one, but you will receive a license valid for the full six-year term. If your original license expired more than a few years ago, you may want to verify the new expiration date with the office before you leave, or check your temporary paper license.

Reporting Your Lost License to Law Enforcement

You are not required to report a lost driver's license to police, but doing so creates a record in case someone finds it and tries to use it fraudulently. A police report is not necessary to obtain a replacement, and the Transportation Cabinet does not require one. However, if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud, a report gives you documentation.

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. Provide them with your license number, date of birth, and the approximate date and location where you lost it. Keep a copy of the report number for your records. This step is optional but recommended if your license was lost in a public place or if you suspect it may be misused.

Replacing Your License If You Have an Outstanding Traffic Violation or Child Support Obligation

Kentucky will not issue a replacement license if you have an active suspension on your driving record. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to appear in court. Before you explore for a replacement, check your driving record on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call the Cabinet directly to confirm your license is not suspended.

If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue first. For traffic violations, pay the fine or contact the court about a payment plan. For child support, contact the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services. Once the suspension is lifted, you can proceed with your replacement process. The Cabinet will not process a replacement while a suspension is active.

What to Do If You Need to Drive Before Your Replacement Arrives

If you chose the mail route and need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person to get a temporary license, or carry a copy of your police report (if you filed one) along with your Social Security card or other ID. Neither is ideal, and neither is a legal substitute for a driver's license.

The safest approach is to visit an office in person as soon as possible. A temporary paper license is a valid, legal form of identification for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. If you cannot reach an office before you need to drive, contact your insurance company to confirm whether they will cover you if you are stopped without a valid license in your possession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I moved out of state after losing it?

No. Kentucky only issues replacements to people with a current Kentucky address. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their replacement process.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still explore for a replacement license if you know your Social Security number. You do not need to present the card itself — the office will verify your number through their system. If you cannot remember your number, contact the Social Security Administration before you visit the office.

Does my temporary paper license work for air travel or crossing state lines?

A Kentucky temporary paper license is valid for driving within Kentucky but is not accepted for air travel or as federal ID. For air travel, bring a passport or passport card. For crossing state lines by car, the temporary is valid as long as you are driving; law enforcement in other states recognize it as a valid Kentucky license.

How much does expedited mail replacement cost compared to regular mail?

Regular mail replacement costs $20. Expedited mail replacement costs $35 total ($20 replacement plus $15 expedited fee). You save money by choosing regular mail, but you wait longer — typically 10 to 14 days instead of 5 to 7 days.

What if the Transportation Cabinet loses my replacement form in the mail?

If you do not receive your replacement license within 14 business days of mailing your form, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet directly. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date you mailed the form. They can check whether the form was received and reissue your license if needed. Keep a copy of your mailed form or use certified mail to have proof of delivery.