How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Kentucky driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail

You can renew your Kentucky driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or visit an office in person.

Kentucky does not require you to renew on a specific date each year. Instead, your renewal date is printed on your current license and is based on your birth month. You can renew up to one year before that date expires, which gives you flexibility to plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website takes 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license.
You are may be able to access to renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the Frankfort office.
In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office takes 15 to 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
Kentucky driver's licenses are Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access without a passport.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

Online renewal is available through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and is the quickest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical license is in the mail.

You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have medical restrictions or vision corrections that need updating, or if you have changed your address since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you are changing your name or if your license was suspended or revoked. In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

The cost of online renewal is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can pay by debit card or credit card during the online process.

Mail-in renewal: no office visit required

Mail-in renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo or address. You will need to complete Form DL 44, which you can read from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or request by phone. Include your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $30 (eight-year) made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

Mail your process to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Section, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your process. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Keep a copy of your process and the tracking information from your mailing in case your renewal is delayed or lost. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the Driver Licensing Section at 502-564-6800 to check the status.

In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office

Visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you were not may be able to access to renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address.

The in-person renewal process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken and will pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your physical license to arrive.

Kentucky has Driver's Licensing Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead is recommended to confirm hours and wait times, especially during busy seasons like the end of the month.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your license

Kentucky driver's licenses are Real ID compliant, which means they meet federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A Real ID license can be used for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and access to military bases without a passport. If you renew your license in Kentucky, you automatically receive a Real ID license — there is no separate process or additional cost.

Your Real ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. This star indicates that your license meets federal standards. If you are planning to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or a trusted traveler card like a Global Entry pass.

Costs and timeline for Kentucky renewal

The cost of renewal depends on the length of your license. A four-year license costs $20, and an eight-year license costs $30. These are the standard renewal fees and do not change based on your age or driving record. If you are renewing in person and request a temporary paper license, there is no additional charge.

The timeline varies by method. Online renewal delivers your license in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your process. In-person renewal also results in your license arriving in 7 to 10 business days, but you can get a temporary paper license on the same day you visit the office.

If you need your license faster, in-person renewal with a temporary paper license is your best option. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your permanent license.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee. Contact your local Driver's Licensing Office to confirm what tests you will need before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on your current license and is based on your birth month. Renewing early does not change your next renewal date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to obtain a license within 30 to 60 days of moving. You can usually surrender your Kentucky license when you explore for your new state's license, or you can keep it as a form of identification.

Do I need a Real ID for flying domestically?

Yes, starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or trusted traveler card for domestic air travel. Kentucky licenses are automatically Real ID compliant, so your renewed license will work for flying without any extra steps.

How long does a Kentucky driver's license last?

You can choose a four-year or eight-year license when you renew. The cost is $20 for four years or $30 for eight years. Your renewal date is based on your birth month, so all licenses expire on the last day of your birth month in the year they are set to expire.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. Visit a Driver's Licensing Office in person and bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. You will pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the same day.

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.