How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Kentucky Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Path

Kentucky allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Kentucky license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 64 years old. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew—you can start the process up to one year before expiration.

The renewal fee is $20 for a standard eight-year license. If you renew online or by mail, you will pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check. If you renew in person, you can also pay by cash or check.

Key Takeaways

Kentucky offers online renewal through the state website, which is the fastest option and requires no office visit if your information has not changed.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the state receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions.
In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office takes about 30 minutes and is required if you have a CDL, a hazmat endorsement, or if your address has changed.
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you are over 64 years old.
The renewal fee is $20, and you must have a valid Social Security number and Kentucky address on file.

Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are between 21 and 64 years old, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit card or debit card to pay the $20 fee.

Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet online services portal and select the driver's license renewal option. Enter your license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. Review your current information—name, address, date of birth, and license class. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will carry the same photograph from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal: Timeline and Required Documents

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not suspended or revoked and you are between 21 and 64 years old. You will need to complete the process for Kentucky Driver's License or Instruction Permit (Form DL 44), which you can read from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or request by mail.

Fill out the form completely. Sign and date it. Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form—this is the Regional Driver Licensing Office that serves your county. You can find your office on the state website by entering your county name.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the state receives your process, plus mailing time. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal—use online renewal or visit an office in person.

In-Person Renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office

You must renew in person if you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), if you have a hazmat endorsement, if your address has changed, if you are over 64 years old, or if your license is suspended or revoked. You should also renew in person if you want a new photograph on your license.

Bring your current Kentucky driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. Bring the $20 renewal fee in cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Visit your Regional Driver Licensing Office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but hours vary by location. You can find your office and its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes. You will receive your new license on the spot.

Special Cases: CDL, Hazmat, and Suspended Licenses

If you hold a Commercial Driver's License, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and the $20 renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision test and answer medical history questions. The office will take a new photograph.

If your license has a hazmat endorsement, you must renew in person and pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. This process takes longer than a standard renewal—allow at least one hour. You will need your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and the $20 fee.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you must take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can renew through any method.

Address Changes and Information Updates

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Bring two documents showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. A single document is not enough.

If other information on your license is incorrect—your name, date of birth, or license class—contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet before you renew. You may need to visit an office in person to correct the information. Do not attempt to correct information through online or mail renewal.

What Happens After You Renew

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of processing. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive while you wait for your new one. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a Regional Driver Licensing Office.

If you renew in person, you will receive your new license when ready. Your old license is no longer valid once you receive the new one. Keep your new license in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive.

Your new Kentucky driver's license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal if you are between 21 and 64 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license will be valid for four years. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option if your information has not changed. If you are out of state and need to renew in person, you must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in Kentucky—the state does not offer remote in-person renewal.

What if my license expired more than one year ago?

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a Regional Driver Licensing Office, a written test, and a driving test. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for details on the new license process.

Do I need a new photo when I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photograph. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. The office will take a new photograph at no additional cost.

How do I find my Regional Driver Licensing Office?

Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and use the office locator tool. Enter your county name or ZIP code, and the site will show you the office that serves your area, along with its address, phone number, and hours of operation.

What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?

Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet when ready to report the loss. You can request a replacement license by mail or in person. There is an additional fee for a replacement. You can also visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person to get a temporary license while you wait for your replacement.

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.