Kentucky lets you renew online if you meet a few conditions
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license online through the state's eKYLicense system if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or changes since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $20 for a four-year renewal or $30 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online system. You must be renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license), your current license must not be expired, and you cannot have had a suspension, revocation, or medical condition reported to the state since your last renewal. If any of those explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky's online renewal system (eKYLicense) works only if your license is not expired and you have had no suspensions, revocations, or medical changes since your last renewal.
- The online renewal costs $20 for four years or $30 for eight years, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the renewal online.
- If your license is expired, you have had a suspension or revocation, or you need to update your address or name, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
How to renew step by step
Start by going to the eKYLicense website at ekylic.ky.gov. Click the "Renew License" button and select "Driver License" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your current Kentucky driver's license number and your date of birth to pull up your record.
Next, you will review your personal information on file — your name, address, and date of birth. If any of this information is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you will need to go to a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person. If everything is correct, you can proceed.
You will then answer a series of questions about your health and driving record. These questions ask whether you have had any medical conditions, suspensions, or revocations since your last renewal. Answer honestly. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, the system will stop and tell you that you must renew in person.
If you pass the questions, you will choose your renewal term (four years or eight years), review the fee, and enter your payment information. Kentucky accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email — you may need it if there are questions about your order.
What you need before you start
Have your current Kentucky driver's license in front of you. You will need the license number printed on the front. If you cannot find your license number, you cannot renew online; you will have to go in person.
You will also need your Social Security number and a valid credit or debit card. The card does not have to be in your name, but the billing address on the card will be used to verify your identity. Make sure the address matches what the state has on file for you.
If your address has changed since you got your current license, you cannot renew online. You must go to a Regional Driver Licensing Office and update your address in person before your license expires. The same rule applies if your name has changed — marriage, divorce, or legal name change all require an in-person visit.
When you cannot renew online
Your license is expired. The online system only works for licenses that are still valid. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
Your address or name has changed. The online system cannot update your personal information. You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office to change your address or name on your license.
You have had a suspension, revocation, or medical condition reported to the state. If the state has a record of a suspension, revocation, or a medical condition that affects your driving, you cannot renew online. You must go in person so a licensing officer can review your record.
You are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). The online system is for standard driver's licenses only. CDL renewals must be done in person.
How long the process takes and when your new license arrives
The online renewal itself takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Once you submit your payment and receive a confirmation number, the state processes your order. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file.
Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you need your license sooner, you cannot use the online system — you must go to a Regional Driver Licensing Office and renew in person, which can be done the same day.
While you wait for your new license to arrive, your current license remains valid. You can continue to drive and use your current license for identification until the new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
What happens if something goes wrong
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, and try again. If the problem continues, use a different card or go to a Regional Driver Licensing Office to renew in person.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Branch at 502-564-6930. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your order and tell you whether your license has been mailed or if there is a problem.
If you realize after you have submitted your renewal that you made a mistake — for example, you answered a health question incorrectly — call the Driver Licensing Branch right away. Depending on what the mistake is, they may be able to stop the order or help you correct it before your new license is printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expires next month?
Yes, as long as your license has not already expired. You can renew online anytime before your expiration date. It is a good idea to renew a few weeks before your license expires so your new one arrives before the old one runs out.
What if I have moved since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must go to a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to take a new one in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
Can I renew my license online if I have a suspension on my record?
No. If you have a suspension, revocation, or any restriction on your driving record, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. A licensing officer will review your record and tell you what you need to do before you can renew.
What if I lose my new license before it arrives?
Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Branch at 502-564-6930 with your confirmation number. They can check whether your license has been mailed and may be able to stop the order and issue a replacement. If your license has already been mailed, you can report it lost and request a duplicate at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.