You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office

Kentucky lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if you have a valid email address on file. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or walk into any Driver's Licensing office in person. The address change itself takes effect when ready once the Cabinet processes it — you don't have to wait for a new card to arrive.

You'll need to decide which method works best for your situation. Online takes minutes but requires internet access. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip during office hours. All three methods are free.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes if you have an email address on file.
  • You can mail Form DL 44 (Address Change) to the Cabinet's mailing address and the change will process in one to two weeks.
  • Walking into any Driver's Licensing office with proof of your new address gives you an when ready confirmation, though you may wait in line.
  • You do not need to pay a fee or get a new physical card unless you want to update your photo or other information.
  • Your old license remains valid for driving while the address change is being processed.

Changing your address online

Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online services portal at drive.ky.gov. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or personal history. Once verified, you can enter your new address directly into the system.

The system will show you a confirmation screen with your updated address. Take a screenshot or write down the confirmation number. The change is recorded when ready in the Cabinet's system, though it may take a few business days to appear in all their databases. You don't need to do anything else — no form to print, no envelope to mail.

If you don't have an email address on file or can't remember your security answers, you'll need to use one of the other methods instead.

Mailing in your address change

read or request Form DL 44 (Address Change) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Fill in your driver's license number, your current address, and your new address. You'll also need to include proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail the completed form and proof to:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Section State Office Building 501 High Street, Room 154 Frankfort, KY 40601

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the Cabinet receives your envelope. You can call the Driver Licensing Section at 502-564-6800 after two weeks if you haven't seen the change reflected in your record. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.

Changing your address in person at a Driver's Licensing office

Find your nearest Driver's Licensing office on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Bring your current driver's license and one piece of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept them — check before you go.

Walk up to the counter and tell the staff member you need an address change. Hand them your license and proof of address. They will enter the new address into the system while you wait. You'll receive a printed confirmation showing your updated address, and the change takes effect when ready. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you want to update your photo at the same time, you can do that in person, but it will cost a fee and you'll receive a new physical card in the mail.

What counts as proof of your new address

Kentucky accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Some offices accept a letter from a government agency, a vehicle registration, or a piece of mail from a court or government office.

The document must have your full name printed on it and must match the address you're registering. If your name on the document doesn't match your license exactly (for example, a middle initial is missing), bring a second document that shows both versions of your name, or bring a marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed.

If you don't have any of these documents yet — for example, you just moved and haven't received a utility bill — ask the office staff what alternatives they accept. Some offices will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

When you need a new physical card instead

An address change alone doesn't require a new card. Your old license remains valid for driving. However, if you want to update your photo, change your name, correct your height or eye color, or add a REAL ID designation, you'll need to get a new card. That process costs a fee and takes longer than a straightforward address change.

If your license is expiring soon anyway, you might combine the address update with a renewal and get everything done at once. Check your license expiration date to see if renewal is coming up in the next few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can change it either way. Many people do it after they move and have proof of the new address in hand. If you want to change it before you move, you'll need to provide proof of the new address (like a signed lease or purchase agreement), which not all offices accept. It's usually easier to wait until after you move and have a utility bill or other official document.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Kentucky, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of just changing the address. Kentucky will eventually deactivate your license if you don't renew it, but you shouldn't be driving on a Kentucky license if you live elsewhere. Contact your new state's licensing authority to begin that process.

How long does my old address stay on my license?

The address change takes effect in the Cabinet's system when ready (online) or within one to two weeks (by mail or in person). Your physical card still shows the old address until you request a new one, but the official record is updated. Police and other officials can see your current address in the system even if your card shows an old one.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. An address change is separate from your driving status. Even if your license is suspended, you can update your address so the Cabinet knows where to reach you. This is actually important — the Cabinet may need to contact you about your suspension or about reinstating your license.

Is there a fee for changing my address?

No. Changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you request a new physical card at the same time or if you're renewing your license.