Renewing Your Kentucky License: The Basic Steps
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 how much time you have and whether your license has expired. Most people renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $27 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal.
Your license is valid for four or eight years from the date of issue. Kentucky sends renewal reminders about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the reminder to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change in your vision or medical status.
- You will need your current Kentucky license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- If your license has already expired or you need to update your address, photo, or medical information, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Mail renewal is available but slower; it typically takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the state.
Renewing Online Through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Online renewal is the quickest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a change in your vision or medical status, and your address is current in the system. You will also need to have a valid email address on file.
Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. After you review your information and confirm it is correct, you will choose your renewal length (four or eight years) and pay the fee with a debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means you need to renew in person. This happens most often when your license has expired, your address needs to be updated, or the system has flagged a medical or vision concern.
Renewing in Person at a Driver's Licensing Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you have a medical condition that needs to be reported. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to.
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 the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Visit any Kentucky driver's licensing office. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee ($27 for four years or $48 for eight years) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you do not need to make changes to your address, name, or photo. Complete the renewal form (available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by calling 502-564-6800) and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the state receives your materials. Because of the delay, mail renewal is best used only if you have plenty of time before your license expires. If you are unsure whether your form arrived or your renewal was processed, you can call the Transportation Cabinet to check the status.
What to Do If Your License Has Already Expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to take the written test and the road test again, just as if you were a new driver. You can find information about the written and road tests on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it in person at a driver's licensing office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal. You will not have to retake the tests, but you may be asked to pass a vision screening.
Choosing Between Four-Year and Eight-Year Renewal
When you renew, you choose whether to get a license valid for four years or eight years. The four-year renewal costs $27, and the eight-year renewal costs $48. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for twice as long.
Choose the four-year renewal if you think your address, name, or medical status might change soon, or if you prefer to renew more frequently. Choose the eight-year renewal if you want to go longer between renewals and do not mind paying the higher fee now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still have a Kentucky address on file and have not yet moved, you can renew online or by mail. If you have already moved and your address has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new out-of-state address.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a driver's licensing office in person to report it lost and get a replacement. Bring your Social Security proof and address proof. The replacement fee is $10, and you can choose to renew for four or eight years at the same time.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes four to six weeks from the date the state receives your materials. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your temporary paper license (issued in person) or your current license (if renewing online) remains valid.
Can I renew my license if my vision has changed?
If your vision has changed significantly, you may not be able to renew online. You will need to renew in person and may be asked to pass a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your appointment. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to see an eye doctor and provide documentation before your renewal is approved.
What if I want to change my address when I renew?
If you are renewing online, you can update your address through the online system before you pay. If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member your new address and they will update it in the system. If you are renewing by mail, you cannot change your address—you must renew in person instead.