When and how to replace your Kentucky driver's license
You can replace your Kentucky driver's license at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office. The process depends on why you need a replacement: if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to request a duplicate. If your license expired or you want to update information like your address, you'll renew instead. Both happen at the same offices, but the documents you bring and the fee you pay differ.
Kentucky does not mail replacement licenses to your home — you must go in person to pick one up. Most offices can issue a replacement the same day you explore, though some locations may take longer during busy periods. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office in person to request a replacement; there is no online or mail-in option.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the replacement fee, which varies by license type.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you may need to sign a statement under oath confirming the loss; if it was damaged, bring the damaged card.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
- Renewal (for an expired license) and replacement (for lost, stolen, or damaged) are different transactions with different fees and requirements.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your Social Security number and proof of your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement works just as well.
If your license was lost or stolen, you may be asked to sign a statement under oath (called an affidavit) saying the license is missing. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card with you. You do not need to bring the damaged card if it was lost or stolen — only if you physically have it.
Bring a valid form of payment. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The fee for a duplicate license depends on your license type and how many years remain on your current license.
Replacement fees by license type
| License Type | Duplicate Fee |
|---|---|
| Class D (standard passenger vehicle) | $20 |
| Class M (motorcycle) | $20 |
| Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | $30 |
| Hazmat endorsement replacement | Additional fee applies |
These fees cover the cost of issuing a duplicate license only. If you're also renewing an expired license at the same time, you'll pay both the duplicate fee and the renewal fee. Ask the clerk at the office to confirm the total cost before you pay.
Finding a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office near you
Kentucky has Driver Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website by entering your county or city. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Call ahead before you go. Office wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits are usually faster than afternoon visits. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your process. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as a plastic license — you can drive with it, and it satisfies traffic stops and ID checks. Keep it in a safe place because you'll need it if you're stopped before your permanent license arrives.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to three weeks. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until the plastic card arrives.
Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state
If your Kentucky license expired while you were living outside Kentucky, you can still request a duplicate. However, you'll also need to renew the license at the same time because an expired license cannot be duplicated — it must be renewed first. Bring your out-of-state address proof along with your new Kentucky address proof to show the office your situation.
The office may ask for additional documentation if your license has been expired for more than a year. Bring any documents that show you've been out of state during that time, such as a lease or utility bill from another state.
Replacing a license with a REAL ID designation
If your current Kentucky license has a REAL ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), your replacement will also have a REAL ID designation — you don't need to do anything extra. REAL ID licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings.
If your current license does not have a REAL ID star and you want one on your replacement, you'll need to bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of residency instead of one. This will increase your fee. Ask the clerk whether you want to add REAL ID to your replacement, because the choice affects which documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Kentucky requires you to appear in person at a Driver Licensing office to request a replacement. You cannot complete this transaction online, by phone, or by mail. You must bring the required documents and payment to an office location.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You must have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask the office what other documents they accept — some offices will work with you if you bring multiple documents that together show your address, such as a bank statement and a piece of mail from a government agency.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent plastic license hasn't arrived within that time, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet when ready. Do not drive without a valid license once the 30 days expire.
Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement?
No. A duplicate license uses the photo from your current or most recent license. You will not take a new photo unless you're renewing an expired license or updating your information — in those cases, a new photo is required.
What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?
If your name has changed, you cannot straightforward request a duplicate — you must renew your license and bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This is a different transaction than a replacement and has a different fee.