Getting a replacement Kentucky driver's license after you lose it

To replace a lost Kentucky driver's license, you'll go to your county clerk's office in person with proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee (usually around $20), and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to retake the written or road test — the replacement process is straightforward paperwork.

Kentucky treats a lost license the same as a damaged one: you're replacing the card itself, not your driving record or privileges. The process is faster than getting your first license because you've already passed the tests.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your county clerk's office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Kentucky to start the replacement process.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, since the clerk will need it to look up your record.
  • Pay the replacement fee at the clerk's office and you'll walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days.
  • Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you don't need to take any tests.

What documents to bring to the clerk's office

Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have any of those, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.

You'll also need proof that you live in Kentucky. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and your ID doesn't show your new address, bring both an old utility bill from your previous address and a new one from your current place.

Bring your Social Security number written down or on a card. If you don't have it memorized, the clerk can look it up if you provide your full legal name and date of birth, but having it ready speeds things up.

Finding your county clerk's office and hours

Every Kentucky county has a clerk's office that handles driver's licenses. Search online for "[your county name] clerk's office" or visit the Kentucky Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerk locations and phone numbers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some stay open one evening per week.

Call ahead if you can. The clerk's office can tell you the current replacement fee (it varies slightly by county), confirm they have temporary licenses in stock that day, and let you know if there's a wait. Some offices get busy mid-morning or right after lunch.

The replacement fee and what you receive

The replacement fee ranges from $15 to $25 depending on your county. The clerk will tell you the exact amount when you call or when you arrive. You pay this fee once, and it covers both the temporary license and the permanent one that arrives by mail.

When you pay, you'll receive a temporary driver's license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police if stopped. Your permanent replacement license is mailed to the address you provide at the clerk's office, usually arriving within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the clerk's office to check on it.

If you need your license before the mail arrives

The temporary license the clerk gives you is valid for 30 days, so you have time to wait for the permanent one. If you need to travel or have an urgent reason to have the permanent license sooner, ask the clerk if they can issue a duplicate temporary license or if there's an expedited mail option. Some counties offer this for an additional fee, though it's not standard across Kentucky.

If your permanent license arrives damaged or doesn't arrive at all after 14 days, return to the clerk's office with your temporary license. They can issue another temporary or investigate what happened to your mail.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

Before you go to the clerk's office, check whether your license is under suspension or revocation. If it is, the clerk cannot issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You can check your license status on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by calling the clerk's office.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. If your license is suspended, you'll need to resolve the underlying issue first — paying fines, arranging a payment plan, or completing a required program — before the clerk can help you. The clerk's office can tell you what needs to be done and which agency to contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Kentucky requires you to appear in person at your county clerk's office with ID and proof of residency. You cannot replace a lost license remotely, though you can call ahead to confirm what documents you need and what the fee is.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still go to your Kentucky county clerk's office. Bring the same documents — valid ID and proof of Kentucky residency. If you're currently living out of state temporarily, bring a utility bill or lease from Kentucky showing your home address, and the clerk will mail your replacement there.

Do I have to retake the written or road test?

No. A replacement license is just a new card with the same information and driving record. You only retake tests if your license was suspended or revoked and you're restoring it, which is a different process.

How long is the temporary license good for?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so you'll have the permanent one well before the temporary expires. If it doesn't arrive, return to the clerk with your temporary.

What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?

You can keep both or destroy the original — Kentucky doesn't require you to turn it in. If you want to be cautious, you can call the clerk's office and ask them to note that the original was found, but this isn't necessary.