Kentucky Driver License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Kentucky allows you to renew your driver license in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to change information on your license. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you mail your documents, or you can walk out the same day if you renew in person.
Your Kentucky license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date, which gives you time to gather documents without rushing. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky driver licenses expire every five years, and you can start the renewal process six months before the expiration date on your card.
- If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online; if it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment of the renewal fee, which is $20 for a five-year license.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents plus a completed Form DL 44 and takes 7 to 10 business days; online renewal is available only if you have a valid Social Security number and no address changes.
- You must pass a vision test at an in-person appointment, but mail and online renewals do not require a new vision screening if your current license shows you passed one.
In-Person Renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office
Renewing in person is the fastest option and guarantees you walk out with a temporary license the same day. You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in your county. Kentucky has offices in every county, and you do not have to visit the office in your home county—you can go to any office in the state. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $20 in cash or card. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
The office will take a new photograph and issue you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to your address. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, tell the staff member at the counter before you sit for your photograph, because changes made after the photo is taken require a separate transaction.
Regional Driver Licensing Offices do not require appointments in most counties, but some offices accept appointments to reduce wait times. You can check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see whether your local office offers appointments and to find the office nearest you.
Mail Renewal for Licenses Expired Less Than Two Years
If your license expired within the past two years and you have no changes to make to your name, address, or other information, you can renew by mail. Complete Form DL 44 (process for Kentucky Driver License), which you can read from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or request by phone at 502-564-6800. Sign the form and mail it with your current driver license and a check or money order for $20 payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
Mail your documents to the address listed on Form DL 44. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your envelope. Your temporary license is not issued by mail, so you will be without a valid license during this period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew in person instead.
Mail renewal does not include a vision test, so the Transportation Cabinet will use the vision test results from your current license. If your current license shows that you failed a vision test or required corrective lenses, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person.
Online Renewal Through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Kentucky offers online renewal through its official website if you meet all of these conditions: your license expired less than two years ago, you have a valid Social Security number on file with the state, you have no address changes, and you have no changes to your name or other personal information. The online system does not issue a temporary license, so you will not have proof of a valid license while your new one is in the mail.
To renew online, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The fee is $20, which you pay by debit card or credit card during the transaction. Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal uses the vision test results from your current license, just as mail renewal does. If you have any doubt about whether you meet the conditions for online renewal, call the Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 before you attempt to renew, because submitting an online process when you do not meet the requirements can delay your renewal.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency (dated within 60 days) | $20 | Same day (temporary license); 7–10 days (permanent) |
| By Mail | Current license, Form DL 44, check or money order | $20 | 7–10 business days |
| Online | License number, date of birth, Social Security number | $20 | 7–10 business days |
Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days of your visit and can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A post office box is not accepted as proof of residency. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name plus a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship.
Payment by check or money order must be made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Cash is accepted at in-person offices. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at in-person offices and for online renewal, but not for mail renewal.
When You Cannot Renew by Mail or Online
You must renew in person if any of the following explore: your license has been expired for more than two years, you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, your current license shows a failed vision test or vision correction requirement, you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL). You also must renew in person if you are a new resident of Kentucky and your out-of-state license is still valid—Kentucky requires you to obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency.
If you are unsure whether your situation allows mail or online renewal, contact a Regional Driver Licensing Office by phone or visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you submit your process. Submitting an process when you do not meet the requirements can result in your process being rejected and returned, which delays your renewal by several days.
Vision Testing and Medical Certification
Kentucky requires a vision test for all in-person renewals. The test is performed at the Regional Driver Licensing Office and checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your appointment.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive—such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea—the Transportation Cabinet may require a medical certification form completed by your doctor. The office will tell you if this is necessary when you explore. You do not need to submit medical information in advance; the office will contact you if it is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. If you have moved out of Kentucky, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are a Kentucky resident but temporarily living out of state (such as for military service or school), contact a Regional Driver Licensing Office to discuss your options, as some situations may allow an exception.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally during that period. If you renew by mail or online, you will not have a valid license until your new one arrives, so you should not drive during that time.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew my license?
No. License renewal in Kentucky does not include a written test or road test. You only need to pass the vision test if you renew in person. Mail and online renewals do not require a new vision test.
How long does it take to receive my license if I renew by mail?
The Transportation Cabinet processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days from the date your envelope is received. Mailing time is not included in this estimate, so allow an additional 3 to 5 days for postal delivery before and after processing.
What should I do if my license is lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires an in-person visit to a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and pay a $20 fee. You will receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.