Kentucky driver's license renewal: the basic steps
In Kentucky, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.
Your Kentucky license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date, and you have a grace period of up to 60 days after expiration to renew without penalty. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so do not wait until after the expiration date to start.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license and a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office is necessary if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address.
- The renewal fee is $20 for an eight-year license, and you will need proof of identity and Kentucky residency.
- You can find your local Driver's Licensing Office and check wait times on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, you have not had any address changes, and you do not want to update your photo. Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
You will need to pay the $20 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Once you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. The entire process takes about five to ten minutes online, and your new license should arrive within seven to ten business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use while you wait for the physical card.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it means one of your circumstances has changed — usually an address update, an expired license, or a photo that needs updating. In that case, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by visiting their website or calling 502-564-6800. You can also pick up a form at any Driver's Licensing Office. The form you need is the DL 44.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of Kentucky residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail your packet to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Branch, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Cabinet receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. Do not send cash through the mail. If you want to track your renewal, keep a copy of your mailed form for your records.
Renewing in person at a Driver's Licensing Office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you did not pass the online or mail may be able to access check. Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to find the Driver's Licensing Office nearest you and check current wait times before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of Kentucky residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address. Have the $20 renewal fee ready — most offices accept cash, check, or card, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your location.
At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer a few questions to confirm your information, and pay the fee. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and the road test again, even if you have been driving for years. You will also need to pay the full fee for a new license, which is higher than a renewal fee.
If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you are still in the grace period and can renew using any of the three methods above. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license is ready, you can request a temporary driving permit at a Driver's Licensing Office, though this requires an in-person visit.
Updating your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new Kentucky address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your $20 renewal fee.
Some people update their address separately through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before renewing their license, which can make the renewal process faster. If you update your address online first, you may then be may be able to access to renew online or by mail. Check the Cabinet website for the address change option.
Understanding the renewal fee and what it covers
The standard renewal fee in Kentucky is $20 for an eight-year license. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. There are no additional fees for online or mail renewal — the $20 is the only cost unless you are requesting a duplicate license or a special license type.
If you are renewing after your license has expired, the fee remains $20 as long as you are within the 60-day grace period. After 60 days, you cannot renew and must reapply as a new driver, which costs more. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, you will need to visit an office in person and may need to provide additional documents, but the renewal fee itself does not change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I live out of state?
No. Kentucky requires that you be a Kentucky resident to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Kentucky resident, you can renew by mail or online if you are may be able to access.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You will need to visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of Kentucky residency. You can request a duplicate license at the same time you renew, though this may involve an additional fee. Call ahead to confirm what documents your local office requires.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Most renewed licenses arrive within seven to ten business days of approval. Mail renewal takes longer overall — usually two to three weeks from when the Cabinet receives your packet — because processing happens before mailing begins. Online and in-person renewals are faster because they are processed when ready.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed?
Yes, but you must do it in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of identity, and proof of Kentucky residency. The renewal fee is still $20.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky and can result in a traffic citation and fine. You have a 60-day grace period after expiration to renew without penalty, but you should not drive during this time. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, request a temporary permit at a Driver's Licensing Office.