How to Renew Your Driver's License in Kentucky

Kentucky driver's license renewal: the basic path

In Kentucky, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's licensing office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

Your Kentucky license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you received it. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, and you should plan ahead because processing times vary by method.

Key Takeaways

Kentucky offers online renewal through the Transportation Cabinet website for most drivers, and it takes about one week to receive your new license by mail.
Mail renewal is available if you do not need a Real ID, have not changed your name or address, and meet other basic requirements — send your current license and the renewal form to Frankfort.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if you need a Real ID, have changed your name or address, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
You will need to pay the renewal fee, which is $20 for a four-year license and $30 for an eight-year license, plus an additional fee for Real ID if you choose that option.
Kentucky does not require a vision test or written test for most renewals, but you must pass a vision screening at an in-person appointment if you renew that way.

Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

The fastest and most common way to renew is online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's driver licensing portal. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and your license is not expired by more than three years.

To renew online, visit the Transportation Cabinet website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. There is a small processing fee added to the renewal cost. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within about one week.

Online renewal does not include a Real ID upgrade. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 2025), you must renew in person or choose the mail option if your state offers it, though Kentucky's mail option also does not include Real ID.

Mail renewal for drivers who do not need Real ID

You can renew by mail if you meet the same conditions as online renewal: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name or address, and your license expired no more than three years ago. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks — but it requires no processing fee beyond the standard renewal cost.

To renew by mail, read the driver's license renewal form (Form DL 44) from the Transportation Cabinet website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. The mailing address is the Transportation Cabinet's licensing office in Frankfort. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal does not upgrade your license to Real ID status. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file.

In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office

You must renew in person if you need a Real ID, have changed your name or address, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if your license expired more than three years ago. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing for the first time after turning 21 or if you want to update your photo.

Visit your local driver's licensing office with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken.

Processing time for in-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Real ID licenses cost an additional $20 on top of the standard renewal fee.

Real ID requirements and costs

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. Kentucky offers Real ID only through in-person renewal at a driver's licensing office.

To obtain a Real ID, you must provide proof of identity (your current license, passport, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current Kentucky address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change.

The Real ID fee is $20 in addition to the standard renewal fee. Your Real ID license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age, just like a standard license.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Kentucky renewal fees are $20 for a four-year license and $30 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing in person and want a Real ID, add $20 to the total. Online renewal includes a small processing fee (typically $1.50 to $2.00) added by the payment processor.

For online renewal, pay by credit or debit card through the Transportation Cabinet website. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though payment methods vary by location.

Finding your local driver's licensing office and scheduling

Kentucky has driver's licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Transportation Cabinet website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Check your local office's website or call ahead before you go.

To schedule an appointment, visit the Transportation Cabinet's online appointment system or call the office directly. Appointment availability varies by location and season. If you cannot get an appointment quickly and your license is about to expire, online or mail renewal may be faster.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted a renewal process. Print a copy of your online renewal confirmation or keep your mail receipt. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, so carry your proof of renewal with you.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office. The office will treat your renewal as a standard in-person transaction and you will receive a temporary license when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license if I moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Kentucky address to renew a Kentucky license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. If you moved within Kentucky, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address at the same time — but updating your address requires an in-person visit or a separate address-change transaction.

Do I need to take a written test or vision test to renew?

No written test is required for renewal. If you renew online or by mail, there is no vision test. If you renew in person, you will pass a vision screening at the office. If you fail the vision screening, the office will not issue your license until you provide a vision correction certificate from an eye care professional.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Your new license typically arrives by mail within one week of online renewal. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is fastest — you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives within one to two weeks. Delivery times can be longer during busy periods.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Transportation Cabinet to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.

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.