Kentucky replaces lost driver's licenses through the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing, either in person at a regional office or by mail

If your Kentucky driver's license is lost, you have two main paths: visit a driver licensing office in person to get a replacement the same day, or mail in a request and wait roughly two to three weeks. The in-person route is faster and requires only your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed form. The mail route works if you cannot reach an office but costs slightly more and leaves you without a valid ID for longer.

Kentucky does not charge a replacement fee for a lost license — you pay only the standard renewal fee, which is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. The state treats a lost license the same as a renewal, so you will receive a new card with a new expiration date based on your age and the license type you hold.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Kentucky driver licensing office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed DL 44 form to replace a lost license in one visit.
  • If you cannot visit an office, mail a signed DL 44 form, a copy of your Social Security card, and proof of residency to the Division of Driver Licensing in Frankfort.
  • Kentucky charges $20 for a four-year replacement license or $30 for an eight-year license; there is no separate lost-license fee.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate if your name has changed since your last license was issued.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police and request a new license number to protect against fraud.

What you need to bring to a driver licensing office

Bring your Social Security number (memorized or on a card), one document proving your current Kentucky address, and a completed DL 44 form (process for Kentucky Driver's License). The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. A photocopy is not sufficient; it must be an original or certified document.

You do not need to bring the old license itself. If you have it, bring it, but a lost license does not require proof that you once held one — the state's records confirm your driving history.

Finding and visiting a Kentucky driver licensing office

Kentucky operates driver licensing offices in most counties. The Transportation Cabinet maintains a list of all office locations, hours, and phone numbers on its website at drive.ky.gov. Search by county or city to find the office nearest you. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have reduced hours or close for lunch, so call ahead or check the website before you go.

Arrive early if possible. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can become busy in late morning and early afternoon. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the state website, which reserves your place and reduces wait time. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies. Staff will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or name-change documents. If you arrive without the right documents, you will be turned away and must return another day.

Mailing in a replacement license request

If you cannot visit an office, complete a DL 44 form and mail it to the Division of Driver Licensing, State Office Building, 501 High Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. Sign the form in blue or black ink — unsigned forms are rejected. Include a photocopy of your Social Security card (front and back) and one document proving your Kentucky address dated within the last 60 days.

Do not mail an original birth certificate or name-change document. If your name has changed, include a photocopy of the relevant document and note in a cover letter that you will provide the original if the state requests it. Mail everything in a single envelope with your name and address clearly written on the outside.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your packet. There is no tracking number, so you cannot check status online. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call the Division of Driver Licensing at 502-564-6800 to confirm receipt and ask about delays.

Paying the replacement fee

At a driver licensing office, pay the renewal fee in cash, debit card, or credit card at the time you submit your process. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. Kentucky does not charge an extra fee for replacement; you pay only the standard renewal rate.

If you mail your request, include a check or money order for the correct amount payable to the State Treasurer. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number (if you remember it) or your Social Security number on the check so the state can match the payment to your process.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, consider reporting the theft to your local police department. A police report creates a record and may help if someone uses your license fraudulently. You do not need a police report to replace the license, but having one on file can protect you if identity theft occurs later.

When you replace a stolen license, you can request a new driver's license number instead of keeping your old one. This step is optional but recommended if you are concerned about fraud. Tell the staff member at the licensing office that you want a new number, or include a note in your mail-in request. The state will issue a new license with a different number, making it harder for someone to misuse your old number.

Timeline and what happens next

If you visit an office in person, you will receive your new license on the same day or within a few days. The office will give you a temporary paper receipt valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. Use this receipt as proof of a valid license if you are stopped by police during that window.

If you mail your request, expect your new license to arrive at your home address within two to three weeks. The state does not send a temporary receipt for mail-in requests, so you will have no valid ID during the wait. Plan accordingly if you need to drive or show ID for other purposes.

Your new license will have a new expiration date. For a four-year license, it expires four years from the date issued. For an eight-year license, it expires eight years from the date issued. Your age at the time of replacement determines which type you receive — Kentucky issues eight-year licenses to drivers 21 and older and four-year licenses to drivers under 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

If you visit an office in person, yes — you receive a paper temporary receipt valid for 30 days. If you mail your request, no — the state does not issue temporary licenses for mail-in replacements. Plan to avoid driving or showing ID for other purposes during the two to three week wait.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

No. Kentucky uses your photo from your previous license unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, tell the staff member at the office, or include a note in your mail-in request. There is no extra charge for a new photo.

What if I moved to Kentucky from another state and lost my Kentucky license?

Follow the same process as any lost license replacement. Bring proof of your current Kentucky address, your Social Security number, and the DL 44 form. If you have not yet received your original Kentucky license, contact the office to confirm you are in the state system before you explore for a replacement.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Kentucky requires you to pick up your license in person at the office where you applied. If you mailed your request, the license is mailed to your address on file — you do not pick it up at an office. If you need someone else to receive it, update your mailing address before you submit your request.

What if my replacement license arrives with errors on it?

Contact the driver licensing office where you applied or call 502-564-6800 to report the error. Bring your new license and any documents that prove the correct information (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.). The state will issue a corrected license at no charge.