Get a replacement license by visiting your county clerk's office in person with proof of identity and residency
Kentucky does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at your county clerk's office with the right documents, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit, though you will not leave with a physical license — Kentucky mails it to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot use a temporary paper license while you wait. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: carry a notarized affidavit from your county clerk stating you have applied for a replacement, or request an expedited license (which costs extra and still takes 3 to 5 business days by mail).
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your county clerk's office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Kentucky address.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, or $30 if you request expedited processing by mail.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for standard processing, or 3 to 5 business days for expedited.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask your county clerk for a notarized affidavit confirming you have applied.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as the clerk will need it to look up your record.
Find your county clerk's office and check their hours
Kentucky has 120 county clerk offices, one in each county. Search online for "[your county name] Kentucky clerk" or visit the Kentucky Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerk addresses and phone numbers. Call ahead to confirm their hours, as some offices have limited schedules or close for lunch.
Many county clerks now use appointment systems. Some allow you to book online; others require a phone call. Showing up without an appointment may mean a long wait or being turned away if they are fully booked. A phone call takes five minutes and saves you a trip.
Gather your documents before you go
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card. The clerk will also need proof that you live in Kentucky right now: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document showing it. The clerk uses this to pull up your existing license record and confirm you are may be able to access for a replacement.
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the clerk cannot issue a license under your new name.
Pay the replacement fee and have your photo taken
Standard replacement licenses cost $20. If you want expedited mail processing (3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10), add $10 for a total of $30. The clerk accepts cash, check, or card — ask which payment methods they take when you call to schedule.
After you pay, the clerk will take a new photo for your license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; you cannot retake the photo if you do not like it. The photo will appear on your license for the next eight years (or until you turn 65 if you are already over 57), so take a moment to look presentable.
Understand what happens after you leave the office
The clerk will give you a receipt showing the date you applied and the processing time you chose. Keep this receipt — it proves you have a pending replacement if you are stopped while driving. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet system, which is usually the address from your last license.
If you have moved since your last license and want the new one mailed to a different address, tell the clerk before you leave. They can update your mailing address in the system. If you do not update it and your new license arrives at an old address, you will have to explore for another replacement.
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited takes 3 to 5. These timelines start the day after you explore. Weekends and state holidays do not count. If your license does not arrive within the stated window, call your county clerk to check the status.
Drive legally while you wait for your replacement
Kentucky does not issue temporary paper licenses. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask your county clerk for a notarized affidavit stating that you have applied for a replacement license. This document proves to a police officer that you have a pending license and are not driving without one. The clerk can usually provide this on the same day you explore, though some offices charge a small fee (typically $2 to $5).
The affidavit is not a license — it is proof that you are in the process of getting one. A police officer may still cite you for driving without a license in your possession, but the affidavit shows you have a legitimate reason. Keep it with you whenever you drive.
If you cannot wait for the affidavit or your replacement license, your only other option is to not drive until your new license arrives.
What to do if your replacement does not arrive on time
If your license does not arrive within the stated processing window, call your county clerk first. They can check whether the license was mailed and provide a tracking number if it was. Mail delays happen, and the license may still be in transit.
If the clerk confirms the license was never mailed or was lost in the mail, you will need to explore for another replacement. You will pay the fee again and go through the same process. Ask the clerk whether they can expedite the second replacement at no extra charge, since the delay was not your fault — some offices will, though they are not required to.
If you have an urgent need to drive (for work, medical reasons, or a court appearance), explain this to the clerk when you call. Some counties have procedures to issue emergency temporary licenses in genuine hardship cases, though this is rare and not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. A replacement is for a lost or stolen license; a renewal is for one that has expired or is about to expire. If your license has expired, you must renew it separately. If your license is still valid and you just lost it, you only need a replacement. The clerk will tell you which one you need when you call.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still must explore for a replacement through your Kentucky county clerk. You can mail in the required documents and fee instead of visiting in person, but you will need to include a notarized statement explaining why you cannot appear. Call your county clerk to ask which documents they accept by mail and whether they notarize statements.
Do I need to report my license as stolen if I lost it?
No. Kentucky does not require you to file a police report for a lost license. However, if you believe it was stolen and are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with your local police department for your records. This does not speed up your replacement, but it creates a paper trail if someone uses your license fraudulently.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Kentucky mails all replacement licenses directly to the address on file. You cannot have the clerk hold it for pickup or mail it to someone else. If you are moving before your license arrives, update your mailing address with the clerk before you leave the office.
What if my address has changed since I lost my license?
Tell the clerk your new address when you explore for the replacement. They will update it in the system and mail your new license to the correct address. If you forget to update it and your license arrives at an old address, you will need to explore for another replacement and pay the fee again.