Kentucky driver's license renewal basics
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver's licensing office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people under 65 with a current or recently expired license can renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website without visiting an office.
The state charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and how many years you're renewing for. You'll need your current license number and a valid payment method if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is the fastest option for most people and takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license by mail.
- You can renew by mail by requesting a form from the Transportation Cabinet or downloading it from their website, then mailing it with your payment and current license.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your address.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office the same day unless you renew in person.
- Kentucky licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website allows you to renew online if your license is current or expired by no more than five years, you're under 65, and you don't need to change your address or photo. Go to the Transportation Cabinet's online services portal, enter your license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity.
You'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The state charges different amounts depending on whether you're renewing for four or eight years. After you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is current or expired by no more than five years and you don't need a new photo or address change. read the renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call their customer service line to request one by mail.
Complete the form, include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Cabinet receives your packet. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records. Your new license will be mailed to your current address.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your address, or if you're 65 or older. Visit a driver's licensing office in your county with your current 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).
Bring payment for the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card—not all offices accept credit cards. The office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary license to drive until the permanent one arrives.
What happens if your license is expired
You cannot legally drive with an expired license in Kentucky. If your license expired within the last five years, you can still renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written exam before receiving your new license.
Driving with an expired license can result in a citation and fine. If you're pulled over, explain that you have renewed or are in the process of renewing. Bring proof of your renewal process or confirmation number if you have one.
Changing your address during renewal
If you're moving, you can update your address during renewal. Online and mail renewal allow you to change your address as part of the process. If you renew in person, tell the licensing office staff about your move and provide proof of your new address.
Your new license will be mailed to whichever address you provide during renewal. If you've already moved and your current license still shows your old address, bring a piece of mail or utility bill from your new address to the licensing office. The office will update your record before issuing your temporary license.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Kentucky charges different renewal fees based on your license type and renewal period. A standard driver's license renewal for four years costs less than an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with special endorsements may have different fees.
Online and mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and debit cards at most offices, though some may not take credit cards. Ask your local licensing office about their payment options before you visit. The Transportation Cabinet website lists the current fee amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires without any penalty or issue. Renewing early is a good idea if you're planning a trip or know you'll be busy around your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date six months to eight years in the future, depending on your renewal period.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license number. You'll need to visit a driver's licensing office in person to report it lost and request a replacement or renewal. Bring your proof of identity and address. The office can issue you a temporary license on the spot.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online and mail renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days from the time the Transportation Cabinet processes your request. Mail renewal may take longer if postal delays occur. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person. If you want a new photo but don't need to change your address, you can visit a licensing office and request a photo update without renewing your entire license.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Kentucky license?
You should get a driver's license from your new state. If you still have a Kentucky address on file and want to keep your Kentucky license, you can renew it by mail or online if it's not expired by more than five years. However, most states require you to get a license in your state of residence within a certain timeframe.