How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Kentucky driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: mail, online, or at a driver's licensing office. Which one you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet handles all renewals. You can start the process at drive.ky.gov, by mail using the renewal notice you received, or by walking into any driver's licensing office. Processing times vary: online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.

Key Takeaways

Kentucky offers online renewal for most drivers under 65 whose license is still valid or expired less than five years, and the new license arrives in about a week.
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice mailed to you by the state and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you do not need to visit an office.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your method.
Your new license will have the same address as your current one unless you update it separately through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 65, your license is not expired, or it expired within the last five years. Go to drive.ky.gov, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee based on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license.

You will need a valid payment method — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. After you pay, the state mails your new license to the address on file. You do not upload a photo; the state uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office instead.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($48 for four years or $72 for eight years), and mail it to the address printed on the notice.

Do not send cash. Include your driver's license number and date of birth so the state can match your payment to your record. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6000 or visiting a driver's licensing office.

In-person renewal at a Kentucky driver's licensing office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your address or name. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your new license the same day. The fee is $48 for four years or $72 for eight years, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times at driver's licensing offices vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at drive.ky.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the office's page before you go.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Kentucky driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person. The state treats this as a new issuance rather than a renewal, which means you will need to provide the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax document for your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or lease for your address. You will also take a new written test and vision test. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($48 or $72 depending on the license term you choose).

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are renewing online or by mail and your address or name has not changed, you do not need to do anything extra. Your new license will reflect the information on file. If you have moved or changed your name and want the new license to show the updated information, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office.

Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and, if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The office will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information the same day. If you do not update your address during renewal, you can update it later by visiting an office or calling 502-564-6000.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Kentucky charges $48 for a four-year driver's license or $72 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash.

If you are 65 or older, you can renew for four years at a reduced rate. Ask about senior discounts when you renew in person, or call 502-564-6000 to confirm the current rate before you mail in your payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. You can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office and will need to pass a written test and vision test.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewals are completed the same day you visit the office.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must visit a driver's licensing office in person.

What if I moved and need to update my address on my license?

You must renew in person at a driver's licensing office to change your address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. Online and mail renewal will not update your address.

Can I pay for my renewal with a credit card by mail?

No. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.