Get a replacement license at your county clerk's office or online
To replace a lost Kentucky driver's license, you have two main routes: visit your county clerk's office in person, or request a replacement online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The online method is faster if you only need a standard replacement — it takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail. The in-person route at your county clerk's office takes longer to schedule but gives you a temporary license on the spot.
Kentucky does not charge a fee for a replacement license if your original was lost or stolen. If your license was damaged or you need to update information, the fee is $20. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency, which we cover in detail below.
The key difference between the two methods is speed versus convenience. Online replacement is simpler if you can wait a week or two. In-person replacement is better if you need to drive before your new license arrives, because the clerk will issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky's online replacement system is the fastest route for a standard lost license — you request it on the Transportation Cabinet website and receive it by mail in 7 to 10 business days at no cost.
- Your county clerk's office can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive when ready, though you will wait longer for the permanent replacement.
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Kentucky address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- If your license was damaged or you need to change information, you pay $20; a straightforward lost-license replacement is free.
- The online system works only if your license has not expired more than five years ago and your address on file is current.
Replacing your license online through the Transportation Cabinet
The online replacement process starts at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Go to the driver licensing section and select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License." You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against the state's records.
After verification, you pay the replacement fee (zero dollars for a lost license) using a credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed since your license was issued, update it online before you request the replacement, or the new license will go to your old address and you will have to start over.
The online system has one limitation: it works only if your license expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead of straightforward replacing it, which requires a vision test and a trip to your county clerk's office.
Going to your county clerk's office for a same-day temporary license
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit your county clerk's office in person. Find your clerk's office location and hours on the Kentucky Secretary of State website — search for your county name. Call ahead to confirm they are open and to ask about wait times, as some offices require appointments.
Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency (details below). The clerk will take your information, verify it against state records, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
You do not pay a fee for a lost-license replacement at the clerk's office either. If you are also updating your address or other information, the fee is $20. Some county clerks accept payment by card, but others take cash or check only — call ahead to confirm.
Documents you need to bring
You must bring two things: a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Kentucky address. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or any other government document with your photo and signature. A Social Security card alone does not count as photo ID.
Proof of address must show your current Kentucky address and your name. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, bring a lease or mortgage agreement plus a piece of mail showing your new address.
Do not bring originals of important documents like your Social Security card or passport unless you are comfortable leaving them with the clerk. Bring copies instead, or ask the clerk whether they need to see the original or a copy.
What happens if your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If you suspect your lost license was stolen and used fraudulently — for example, someone was arrested using your name — contact the Kentucky State Police non-emergency line or your local police department to file a report. Bring the police report number with you when you request your replacement, either online or at the clerk's office. This creates a record that protects you if the fraudulent use shows up on your driving record later.
You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft beyond just the license. This is a separate step from replacing your license but worth doing if someone had access to your personal information.
If your license has been expired for more than five years
The online replacement system will not work if your license expired more than five years ago. In this case, you must renew your license instead, which requires a vision test and a trip to your county clerk's office. You cannot renew online if your license is that old.
Bring the same documents (photo ID and proof of address) plus your expired license if you still have it. The clerk will administer a vision test, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license. The fee for renewal is $20. If you do not have your expired license, the clerk can still renew based on your records, but bring extra proof of identity to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your online request. Delivery by mail takes an additional 3 to 7 days depending on where you live in the state. If you go to your county clerk's office, you get a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. A temporary paper license issued by your county clerk is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally in Kentucky and most other states. Keep it with you while you drive, just as you would your permanent license. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.
What if I move to a different county before my replacement arrives?
Update your address on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before your replacement is mailed. If you already requested the replacement and it is on its way to your old address, contact the Transportation Cabinet to have it redirected. It is faster to update your address before you request the replacement.
Do I have to pay for a replacement if my license was lost?
No. Kentucky does not charge a fee for replacing a lost or stolen license. You pay $20 only if your license was damaged, if you are renewing an expired license, or if you are updating information like your address or name.
What if I cannot find my driver's license number?
Your driver's license number appears on your license itself, but if you do not have it, you can call your county clerk's office and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license number in the system. You will need this number to request a replacement online.