Kentucky driver's license renewal: what you need to do
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold. Online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is same-day if you go during off-peak hours.
Your Kentucky license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you got it. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is available only if your license is not expired, you have not had violations in the past two years, and you can pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL 44, and the renewal fee to the address provided by the cabinet.
- In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office is same-day and required if your license has expired or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
- The renewal fee is $27 for a four-year license and $48 for an eight-year license; you pay the same amount whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and proof of residency if you are renewing in person and have moved since your last renewal.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet runs the online renewal system. You can access it at the cabinet's official website by logging in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online before you start the process.
You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of these are true: your license has not expired, you have not had any traffic violations or suspensions in the past two years, you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will review your current information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: step-by-step
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change any information on it. You will need to complete Form DL 44, which you can read from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or request by phone at 502-564-6800.
Here is what to send: your completed Form DL 44, your current driver's license (front and back), a check or money order for the renewal fee ($27 for four years or $48 for eight years), and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this changes depending on which region you live in, so check the cabinet website before you mail anything.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the cabinet receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. During this time, you can still drive using your current license. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the cabinet at 502-564-6800.
In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal.
Find your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Offices are located in Frankfort, Louisville, Lexington, Covington, Owensboro, Bowling Green, Hazard, Pikeville, and Paducah. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some offices have extended hours on certain days.
Bring your current license, your Social Security number, and proof of residency if you have moved since your last renewal. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than three years, you may need to retake the written test — call ahead to confirm.
Processing is same-day at the office. You will pay the renewal fee, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID upgrade during renewal
Kentucky's Real ID-compliant license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you can upgrade during renewal. You must renew in person to do this.
Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and two forms of proof of residency. The second form of residency proof is required only for Real ID upgrades. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the past 60 days.
The Real ID upgrade costs an additional $15 on top of the standard renewal fee. Your new Real ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. Processing is same-day, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on the length of your new license. A four-year license costs $27. An eight-year license costs $48. These fees are the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fees are higher and vary based on the type of endorsements you hold. Contact the cabinet at 502-564-6800 for current CDL renewal fees.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your Kentucky license has been expired for 90 days or less, you can renew it using the same process as a non-expired license. If it has been expired for more than 90 days but less than three years, you must renew in person and may be asked to retake the written test. If it has been expired for more than three years, you must retake both the written and driving tests — this is treated as a new license rather than a renewal.
Call the Regional Driver Licensing Office in your area before you go in person if your license has been expired for more than 90 days. They can tell you whether you need to study for and take the written test. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must have a Kentucky address to hold a Kentucky license. If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead. If you are moving back to Kentucky, you can renew your Kentucky license once you have established residency and have proof of a Kentucky address.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renew online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process.
What if I need my new license before the standard mailing time?
Online and mail renewal both take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal is the only option if you need your license faster — you get a temporary paper license the same day. There is no expedited mail option for Kentucky renewals.
Do I need to renew my license in person if I changed my name?
Yes. Name changes require in-person renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary license the same day.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and medical certification if your CDL requires it. Call ahead to confirm current fees and any additional requirements for your specific endorsements.