Kentucky driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet driver's licensing office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need a new photo.
If your license expires soon and you want the fastest route, online renewal takes minutes and you'll have your new license in about two weeks. If you prefer to renew by mail or in person, those options are also available — but in-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information on the license itself.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is the fastest method and works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
- By-mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit; you'll mail in your renewal form and current license, then receive your new one in the mail.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information.
- Kentucky licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to six months before your expiration date.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license, and proof of residency for any renewal method.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
After you submit your process online, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is a good option if you do not want to visit an office and your license is not expired. Request a renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by calling 502-564-6800, or read the form from their website. Complete the form, include your current license, and mail everything to the address provided on the form along with the renewal fee.
Processing by mail typically takes four to six weeks. You should mail your renewal at least six weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want a new photo. Visit your local Kentucky driver's licensing office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Bring payment for the renewal fee.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license will be mailed to you within two weeks. Offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
What you need to bring and how much it costs
For any renewal method, you'll need your current driver's license and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person or by mail, you'll also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address all work.
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $20 if you renew online or by mail. In-person renewal costs $20 as well. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, mail renewal requires a check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
When to renew and what happens if your license expires
Kentucky licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early gives you time to receive your new license by mail before your current one runs out.
If your license expires, you can still renew it by mail or online as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, so renew before your expiration date if possible.
Changing your address, name, or photo during renewal
If you've moved, changed your name, or straightforward want a new photo, you cannot make these changes online. You must renew in person at a driver's licensing office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address or name (such as a lease, utility bill, or marriage certificate), and your Social Security number.
In-person renewal with changes is still completed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you need to change your address but do not need to renew yet, you can update your address separately at any driver's licensing office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if it's been expired for more than a year?
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew by mail or online. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewal typically takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster — you'll receive a temporary paper license the same day.
What if I moved and need to update my address on my license?
You must renew in person at a driver's licensing office to change your address. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. You can also update your address separately without renewing if your license is not expiring soon.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Kentucky license?
A new photo is not required for renewal. Your current photo will be used unless you renew in person and request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a driver's licensing office in person.
What happens if I renew online but my address has changed?
Online renewal will not process if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a driver's licensing office to update your address. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license and Social Security number.