Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license in person at any Regional Driver Licensing Office operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, or online through the state's official website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring documentation showing your new address.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your name and address are current in the system, and your license was not suspended or revoked. You'll need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs less than renewing in person because there's no photograph session.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
- In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office requires your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security documentation.
- Online renewal is faster and cheaper but only works if your license is valid, your name and address are current, and you have no medical restrictions.
- A standard renewal takes about 10 business days by mail after you complete the in-person or online process.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
How long the renewal process takes
After you complete your renewal transaction—whether in person or online—the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet mails your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes about 10 business days from the date you renew. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
If you need your license faster, some Regional Driver Licensing Offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to your local office to ask whether they offer this option and what the cost is. Do not count on expedited service being available everywhere.
Finding your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet maintains a list of all Regional Driver Licensing Offices on its official website, searchable by county. Each office has its own hours, which vary—some are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone.
Call your local office before you go. Wait times can be long during lunch hours and on Fridays, and some offices occasionally close for staff training. Having the office phone number and hours in advance saves a wasted trip. The state website lists phone numbers for every location.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it—you must take the full written test, vision test, and photograph again, as if you were getting your first license. If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew it in person, but you will pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The late fee increases the longer your license has been expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your renewal confirmation (if you renewed online), but these do not protect you from a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard four-year Kentucky driver's license renewal costs a set amount that the state updates periodically—check the Transportation Cabinet website for the current fee. Online renewal costs less because there is no photograph session. If you renew in person and your license is expired, you will pay both the renewal fee and a late fee. Payment methods at Regional Driver Licensing Offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card; online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.
Some offices charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license on the same day (for example, if your license was lost or stolen). Ask about this when you call to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other renewal documents. You can update your name during the renewal process without extra steps, though you will need to provide the supporting document.
If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. You do not need a separate form to update your address—the Regional Driver Licensing Office staff will update it when you renew. If you renew online, your address must already be correct in the system, so address changes require an in-person visit.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a duplicate at any Regional Driver Licensing Office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security documentation, just as you would for renewal. A duplicate costs less than a full renewal and is processed the same way—you'll receive a temporary paper license and the plastic card by mail in about 10 business days.
If your license is damaged but still readable, some offices will renew it early without charging an extra fee. Call your local office to ask. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though this is not required to get a duplicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I live out of state?
No. Kentucky requires in-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should transfer to your new state's license. If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail through the Transportation Cabinet, though you will need to request the mail renewal form first—call your nearest office or check the state website for instructions.
What if I have a medical condition or take medication that affects my driving?
You must renew in person, not online. Bring any medical documentation your doctor has provided. The Regional Driver Licensing Office staff will review your situation and may require a medical evaluation form completed by your physician before they issue your new license. This can add time to the process.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Regional Driver Licensing Office?
It depends on the office. Some accept walk-ins only, while others allow or require appointments. Call your local office to find out their policy. Offices that take appointments often have shorter wait times, so scheduling ahead is worth the extra step if it's available.
What if my Social Security card is lost?
Bring an alternative document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, bank statement, or insurance document. You do not have to have the physical card, only proof of the number. The Regional Driver Licensing Office staff can accept several types of documents.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or Transportation Cabinet. Contact the Cabinet directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew. Attempting to renew while suspended or revoked will be denied.