The fastest way to renew in Kentucky
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license online through the state's Transportation Cabinet website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in about 15 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
If you don't meet the online requirements or prefer to renew in person, you can visit any Driver Licensing Regional Office with your current license and proof of residency. Mail renewal is also available but takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website takes about 15 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
- You must renew online at least 30 days before your license expires, and your license cannot have been expired for more than five years.
- If you can't renew online, you can mail your process or visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before renewing if you've moved.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
To renew online, go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's driver licensing website and select the renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address.
The fee for an online renewal is $27.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can still drive using your current license.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements that have changed, or if your address has changed and you need to update it. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you'll need to request an process form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. You can read the form from their website or call your local Driver Licensing Regional Office to have one mailed to you. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a copy of your proof of residency.
Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on the process form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to you afterward. The total time from mailing to receiving your new license is usually four to five weeks. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time.
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal — $27.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail.
Renewing in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office
If you prefer to renew in person, visit any Driver Licensing Regional Office with your current driver's license and proof of residency. Bring one document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address hasn't changed, a recent piece of mail from a government agency will work.
The office will verify your information, take a new photo if required, and process your payment on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid when ready, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal costs the same as online and mail renewal.
Driver Licensing Regional Offices are located throughout Kentucky. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check before you go.
What counts as proof of residency
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or mail from a government agency. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, you can use a utility bill or lease in a roommate's name along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there. Keep a copy of any document you submit, as you may need it for other purposes.
Renewing when your license has expired
If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew online. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office or by mail. In-person renewal requires the same documents as a standard renewal — your expired license and proof of residency.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may also need to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired. Call your local Driver Licensing Regional Office to ask what to expect before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
Yes, but you must update your address during the renewal process. If you're renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm or update your address. If you're renewing by mail or in person, provide your new address on the process or tell the office staff. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Call ahead to confirm what documents the office needs.
How long is a renewed Kentucky driver's license valid?
You can choose a four-year license for $27.50 or an eight-year license for $48 when you renew. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. Set a reminder a few months before it expires so you don't miss the renewal important date.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or wear corrective lenses?
If your medical condition or vision correction has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office so they can assess any changes and update your license restrictions or requirements.
What should I do if my new license doesn't arrive after 10 business days?
Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet with your confirmation number or process reference number. They can track your license and tell you where it is in the mailing process. If it's been lost, they can reissue it or help you get a replacement.