Kentucky driver's license renewal basics
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver's 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 can complete the process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.
Your Kentucky license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you got it. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky offers online renewal through the Transportation Cabinet website for most standard driver's licenses, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have a commercial license, or if you need to change your address or other personal information.
- Mail renewal is available but slower than online renewal; you will need to send your current license and a check or money order to the state.
- The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license and $60 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card online or by check by mail.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. The system checks whether you have any unpaid traffic violations or other holds that would prevent renewal.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have a standard (non-commercial) license, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license. You pay by credit card, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail when you cannot go online
Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot or do not want to renew online. You request a renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by phone at 502-564-6800, or you can read the form from their website. Fill out the form, include your current driver's license, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address on the form.
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. Processing takes about two to three weeks after the state receives your materials, and your new license arrives by mail. During that time, your current license remains valid.
Use mail renewal if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have a commercial license, or if you prefer not to use the online system. You cannot use mail renewal to change your address or personal information; those changes require an in-person visit.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office
You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your gender marker or other personal information. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
In-person renewal at a Kentucky driver's licensing office takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will have your photo taken and answer questions about your driving history and medical conditions. The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card at most offices. Find your nearest office and check its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you go.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for one year or less, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have already started the renewal process.
If you let your license expire and you are stopped by police, you can face a fine and other penalties. The best approach is to renew before your expiration date, but if you have already missed it, go to a driver's licensing office as soon as you can.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must go to a driver's licensing office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and your medical certificate (CDLIS medical certificate) if your CDL requires one.
CDL renewal includes a written test on traffic laws and safe driving practices. You will also have your vision and hearing tested. The office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary CDL on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
CDL renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. If your medical certificate is expiring soon, renew it before you go to the licensing office so you do not have to make two trips.
Changing your address or personal information during renewal
If you have moved, changed your name, or want to update your gender marker, you cannot make those changes online or by mail. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and any documents that show your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
Address changes take effect when ready when you visit the office. Your temporary license will show your new address, and your permanent license arrives by mail with the updated information. If you are changing your name or gender marker, the office will explain what documents you need and may ask you to complete additional forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea if you are about to travel or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date that is four or eight years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go to a driver's licensing office in person and report it lost. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The office will issue you a replacement license on the spot.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes about two to three weeks after the state receives your materials, plus mail delivery time. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives.
Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license?
No, you do not need to take a driving test to renew a standard driver's license. You will answer questions about your driving history and medical conditions, but there is no road test. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, you will take a written test on traffic laws and safe driving.
What if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Kentucky will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic violations or court fines. If you try to renew online, the system will tell you that you have a hold. Pay the ticket or fine first, then renew. If you are unsure whether you have outstanding violations, call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800.