Kentucky driver's license renewal: the basic path
Kentucky lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver's licensing office. Most people can renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if their license is not expired and they have not had certain violations. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an office in person and bring documents that prove your identity and residency.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Online renewal is fastest — your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at an office is when ready if you pay for a temporary license, though your permanent license still arrives by mail. Mail renewal takes longer and is not recommended unless you have no other option.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have no recent violations or suspensions.
- You will need a valid Social Security number and a Kentucky address to renew online through the Transportation Cabinet website.
- If you renew in person, bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current Kentucky address, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or within 2 to 3 weeks for in-person renewal.
- If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a driver's licensing office in person.
When you can renew online in Kentucky
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is available if your current license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have not had your license suspended or revoked in the past. You also cannot have certain violations on your record, such as a DUI conviction or a medical condition that affects your driving.
If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license and your address or name has changed, you cannot renew online — you must go to a driver's licensing office in person. The same applies if you want to change your license class (for example, from a regular license to a commercial license) or if you need to update your photograph.
To start an online renewal, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once your process is submitted, you cannot cancel it online, so review all information before you confirm.
What to bring if you renew in person
When you visit a Kentucky driver's licensing office, bring an original or certified copy of a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license). You will also need proof of your current Kentucky address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days works. Bring your Social Security card, or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport and any immigration documents that show your legal status in the United States.
Bring your current Kentucky driver's license if you have it. If your license has been lost or stolen, tell the office staff when you arrive — they will note that in your file.
Renewal fees and license validity in Kentucky
A standard Kentucky driver's license renewal costs $20 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years and costs $20. Commercial driver's licenses cost more and have different renewal periods depending on the class.
If you renew in person and want a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is in the mail, you can pay an additional fee (usually around $5 to $10) for a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license is not a REAL ID and cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight.
Kentucky does not charge extra for a REAL ID-compliant license. If your current license is REAL ID-compliant and you renew online or in person, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant as long as your information has not changed.
Finding a Kentucky driver's licensing office near you
Kentucky has driver's licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and using their office locator tool. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each office in your area.
Some offices are busier than others, especially at the beginning of the month or near the end of the week. If possible, visit early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid long wait times. You do not need an appointment at most Kentucky offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling — check the office locator to see if your local office has this option.
If you cannot visit an office in your county, you can go to any Kentucky driver's licensing office in the state. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, regardless of which office you visit.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than 3 years
If your Kentucky driver's license has been expired for more than 3 years, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person and may be required to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test before your license is reissued. The office staff will tell you which tests you need to take when you arrive.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could be cited. If your license expired more than 3 years ago, renew it as soon as you can by visiting an office in person.
REAL ID compliance and Kentucky driver's licenses
Kentucky driver's licenses can be REAL ID-compliant, which means they meet federal standards for identification and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. When you renew your license, your new license will be REAL ID-compliant if your current license is REAL ID-compliant and your personal information has not changed.
If you want to upgrade a standard license to a REAL ID-compliant license, you must visit a driver's licensing office in person and bring additional documents that prove your identity and residency. The office staff can tell you which documents you need. A REAL ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for the same period.
Starting in May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or passport will be required to board domestic flights in the United States. If your license is not REAL ID-compliant and you plan to fly, you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky driver's license if I have moved out of state?
No. Kentucky requires you to have a valid Kentucky address to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Kentucky license by mail or in person at a driver's licensing office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?
Your new license is mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks after you renew in person. If you pay for a temporary paper license at the time of renewal, you can drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. The temporary license is valid for 45 days.
What if I renew online but my information was incorrect?
If you notice an error after you submit your online renewal, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet when ready. Depending on what was wrong and how far along your process is, they may be able to correct it before your new license is printed. Call the office or visit the website to report the error.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Kentucky driver's license?
If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office. If you want to update your photo but are renewing online, you must visit an office in person instead.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Kentucky does not prevent license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or fines alone. However, if your license has been suspended for non-payment of fines or for other reasons, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended.