Where to renew your Lexington driver's license
In Lexington, you renew your driver's license at the Fayette County Clerk's Office, which handles all driver's license services for the city. The main office is located at 101 East Vine Street in downtown Lexington. You can also visit the satellite office in the Beaumont Centre on Man O' War Boulevard if that location is more convenient. Both offices process renewals the same way and have the same hours.
You do not need an appointment to renew in person, but you can call ahead to check current wait times. The Fayette County Clerk's Office phone number is (859) 253-3344. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should confirm hours before you go since they can change seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- Renew at the Fayette County Clerk's Office on East Vine Street or the Beaumont Centre location; no appointment is required.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or card.
- Standard renewals take about 10 business days to arrive by mail; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
- Kentucky allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements — check the state website first.
- Renewal fees vary based on license type and validity period; bring cash, check, or card to pay at the time of renewal.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license to the Fayette County Clerk's Office. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it and bring an alternate form of photo ID instead, such as a passport or military ID.
You also need proof of your current address in Kentucky. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Lexington address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring what you have and explain the situation to the clerk — they can often work with you.
Bring your Social Security number or card. If you do not have your card with you, you can provide the number if you know it, but having the card itself speeds up the process. You will also need to know your Kentucky driver's license number, which is on your current license.
What happens during your in-person renewal
When you arrive at the Fayette County Clerk's Office, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. The clerk will review your documents, verify your information in the Kentucky system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that may have changed since your last renewal.
You will have a new photo taken for your license unless you are renewing by mail or online (see below). The photo is taken at the office using a digital camera. You can ask for a retake if you are unhappy with the first photo, though the clerk may limit how many times you can try.
After your information is confirmed and your photo is taken, you will pay the renewal fee. The Fayette County Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, and card payments. The fee depends on whether you are renewing a standard license, a commercial license, or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, and how many years you are renewing for. Ask the clerk for the exact amount before you pay.
How long it takes to get your new license
After you complete your renewal at the office, your new license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard processing takes about 10 business days from the date you renew. You should receive it within two to three weeks in most cases, though mail delays can add time.
While you wait for your new license to arrive, you can drive using a temporary paper license that the clerk will give you at the time of renewal. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and looks like a printed receipt. Keep it with you while you drive, as it is your proof of a valid license until your new card arrives.
If you need your new license sooner, ask the clerk whether expedited processing is available. Some offices offer rush service for an additional fee, though availability varies.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
Kentucky allows some drivers to renew online through the state's online renewal system without visiting the Fayette County Clerk's Office in person. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name, you do not need a new photo, and you are renewing for the standard validity period. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
Online renewal is faster — your new license ships within a few days — and you avoid the trip to the office. However, you will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive until your new card arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal is also an option in some cases. Contact the Fayette County Clerk's Office to ask whether you are may be able to access and what documents to send. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal because of postal delays, so this option works best if you have plenty of time before your license expires.
Renewing a commercial driver's license or special endorsement
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or have endorsements such as a motorcycle endorsement, your renewal process is more involved. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail — you must renew in person at the Fayette County Clerk's Office.
For a CDL renewal, you will need to pass a medical examination and provide a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. You will also need to answer questions about your driving record and any violations or accidents. Bring all the same documents as a standard renewal, plus your medical certificate and your current CDL.
Motorcycle endorsements can usually be renewed at the same time as your standard license if you renew in person. The clerk will ask whether you want to keep the endorsement and will process it with your renewal. If you are renewing online, you cannot add or renew endorsements — you must visit the office in person.
What to do if your license is expired
If your driver's license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you will need to take the written test and the road test again, just as if you were a new driver. You will also need to bring additional documents, such as proof of citizenship or legal residency.
Contact the Fayette County Clerk's Office to schedule a written test appointment. The office can tell you what documents you need and when test dates are available. Do not drive until you have a valid license, even if you have an appointment to take the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Kentucky does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid tickets, but some courts may place a hold on your license if you have failed to pay or appear. The clerk will check for holds when you renew. If a hold exists, you will need to resolve it with the court before your renewal can be processed.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and the clerk will change it in the system. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.
How much does a driver's license renewal cost in Lexington?
Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. Standard passenger licenses cost less than commercial licenses. Call the Fayette County Clerk's Office at (859) 253-3344 to ask the exact fee for your situation, or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for current rates.
Can I renew my license if I am not a Kentucky resident?
No. Your driver's license must match your state of residency. If you have moved out of Kentucky, you should explore for a license in your new state instead. If you have moved to Lexington and are now a Kentucky resident, you can renew your Kentucky license at the Fayette County Clerk's Office.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
Report your lost license to the Fayette County Clerk's Office and bring a replacement form of photo ID. The clerk can issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than a full renewal fee.