What you'll pay to renew your Kentucky driver's license

A standard Kentucky driver's license renewal costs $20 if you renew by mail or online, or $23 if you renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. The difference covers the in-person service fee. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher — $35 for mail or online, or $38 in person.

These are the base fees as of 2024. Kentucky does not charge extra for standard renewals based on how long your license has been expired or how many times you've renewed it before. However, if you need to add endorsements (like a motorcycle endorsement) or correct information on your license, you may face additional charges.

The fee covers a license valid for four years. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or when ready if you renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Kentucky driver's license renewal costs $20 online or by mail, and $23 in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $35 by mail or online, and $38 in person.
  • Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of renewal.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person, and the method you choose affects both the fee and how quickly you receive your new license.

When you renew by mail or online versus in person

Renewing online or by mail saves you $3 per license and works if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet Kentucky's basic renewal requirements. You'll pay the $20 fee (or $35 for CDL) and mail in your renewal form and documents, or complete the transaction through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office costs $23 (or $38 for CDL) but gives you your new license when ready. This route is useful if you need your license right away, if your license is damaged or unreadable, or if you want to update your photo. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Additional charges you might encounter

The base renewal fee covers a standard license with no changes. If you want to add an endorsement — such as a motorcycle (M) endorsement or a hazmat endorsement for commercial driving — Kentucky charges an additional fee for each endorsement. Endorsement fees vary and are charged on top of your renewal fee.

If you need to correct information on your license (such as your legal name or address), you may be charged a correction fee in addition to the renewal fee. If your license has been lost or stolen and you need a replacement before your renewal date, that's a separate transaction with its own fee, typically around $10 to $15.

If you renew your license and later discover an error on it, you can request a correction. Some corrections are free if made within a certain timeframe; others incur a fee. Contact your local Regional Driver Licensing Office to ask about the specific correction you need.

How to find your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office

Kentucky has Regional Driver Licensing Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, its hours, and whether it requires an appointment by visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or calling 502-564-6800. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; others have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Many offices now require you to schedule an appointment in advance, especially for in-person renewals. Check your local office's website or call ahead before you go, because wait times and appointment availability vary by location and season.

What documents you need for renewal

For a mail or online renewal, you'll need your current Kentucky driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You'll also need to provide your signature, which you can do electronically online or by signing the renewal form you mail in.

For an in-person renewal, bring the same documents plus your current license. If you're renewing a CDL, you'll also need to provide a medical certificate (CDLIS medical card) if your license requires one. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your Kentucky license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. The fee remains $23 (or $38 for CDL), but you'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written and driving tests depending on how long it's been expired.

If your license expired between one and five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without retesting, but you'll need to provide updated documents. If it expired more than five years ago, you'll need to explore for a new license as if you were a first-time applicant, which involves testing and a higher fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license online if I live out of state?

Yes. Kentucky allows online renewal for residents who live outside the state, as long as your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet the standard renewal requirements. You'll pay the $20 fee and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I have to renew my license before it expires, or can I renew it after?

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires or up to one year after it expires. If you renew before it expires, your new license's expiration date will be four years from the date you renew. If you renew after it expires, the new expiration date is still four years from your renewal date, not from your original expiration date.

What if I want to change my address or name during renewal?

You can update your address during any renewal at no extra charge. If you're changing your legal name, you'll need to provide proof of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and may need to renew in person. Some name changes require a new photo and may incur an additional fee.

Is there a discount for seniors or military members?

Kentucky does not offer a reduced renewal fee for seniors or military members. All standard driver's license renewals cost $20 by mail or online, and $23 in person, regardless of age or military status. However, some military members stationed outside Kentucky may be able to renew by mail even if they would normally need to renew in person.