Get a replacement license at your county clerk's office with your ID and a completed form

To replace a lost driver's license in Kentucky, you go to your county clerk's office in person with a valid ID and form DL 44. The clerk will take your photo, process the replacement, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20 for a standard license.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. Kentucky treats a lost license replacement as a straightforward administrative transaction, not a retest situation. The only exception is if your license has been suspended or revoked — in that case, the clerk will tell you when ready and you'll need to resolve that status before getting a new card.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card) and completed form DL 44 to your county clerk's office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is $20 and does not require you to retake any tests.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before the clerk can issue a replacement.
  • Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license, unless it expired while you were without it.

What you need to bring to the clerk's office

Bring one valid form of ID. Kentucky accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. A birth certificate alone is not enough — you need a photo ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill in your name, but this takes longer and the clerk may ask for more paperwork.

You also need form DL 44, which is the process for Operator's License. You can read it from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, fill it out at home, and bring it completed. Or you can arrive at the clerk's office and fill it out there — most offices have copies available. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and signature. If your address has changed since your original license was issued, update it on the form.

Where to go and how long it takes

Go to your county clerk's office. Every Kentucky county has one, and they all handle license replacements. You can find your clerk's office location and hours on the Kentucky County Clerks Association website or by searching "[your county name] clerk's office." Hours vary by county, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some larger offices stay open into the evening one or two days a week.

Wait time at the counter is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. The actual processing takes about 10 minutes. You walk out with a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card is mailed to the address you provided on form DL 44 and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive after two weeks, contact your county clerk's office to check the status.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked when you lost it, the clerk's office will see that in the system and will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. You will need to resolve the underlying issue first.

Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or your county clerk to find out why your license is suspended. If it is a fine or fee, pay it. If it is a court matter, contact the court that issued the suspension. Once the suspension is cleared, you can return to the clerk's office and complete the replacement process. The clerk can tell you in one phone call whether your license has any holds on it.

Your new license expiration date and insurance

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired while you were without it, your new license will also be expired, and you will need to renew it at the same time. Renewal is a separate process and costs an additional $20.

Your auto insurance does not need to be notified of a replacement license. Your policy remains active and your coverage does not change. If you were driving without a license because you lost it, your insurance was still in effect during that time. However, if you were driving without a valid license and were stopped by police, you could face a citation, so avoid driving until you have your temporary paper license in hand.

If you need your license before the mail arrives

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, identification, and most purposes where you would show your regular license. If you need to fly or enter a federal building, the paper license may not be accepted — you would need to bring your passport or another federal ID instead.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 10 business days, do not wait longer. Call your county clerk's office and ask them to check the status. They can reissue the card or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. There is no extra charge for a reissue if the card was lost in transit.

Replacing your license if you are out of state

If you are living out of state or traveling when you lose your license, you can still replace it by mail in some cases, but Kentucky prefers in-person replacement. Contact your county clerk's office and ask whether they accept mail-in requests. Some offices do; others require you to appear in person. If mail-in is available, you will mail in form DL 44, a copy of your ID, and a check for $20. Processing takes longer — usually 3 to 4 weeks — because the office has to verify your identity without seeing you.

If you cannot return to Kentucky soon and your county clerk does not offer mail-in replacement, you may want to get a state ID card from your current state in the meantime. That does not replace your Kentucky license, but it gives you a valid photo ID for everyday use. Your Kentucky license remains valid in other states as long as it has not expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Kentucky requires in-person replacement for a lost license. You must go to your county clerk's office with your ID and form DL 44. There is no online option, and no third-party service can do this for you.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

Bring your passport or military ID instead. If you do not have either, bring two non-photo documents with your name on them, such as a utility bill and a bank statement. The clerk may ask for additional documents to verify your identity, so bring whatever you have that shows your name and address.

Do I have to pay the $20 fee if my license was stolen?

Yes. Kentucky charges $20 for a replacement license whether it was lost or stolen. There is no waiver or reduced fee for theft. If you want to report the theft to police for your records, you can do that separately, but it does not affect the replacement fee.

Will my temporary paper license work for a traffic stop?

Yes. A temporary paper license is valid for driving and is recognized by police. If you are stopped, show the officer your temporary license along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. You are not breaking the law by driving with a temporary license.

What if my address changed since I got my original license?

Update your address on form DL 44 before you submit it at the clerk's office. Your new license will show your current address. If you forget to update it on the form, you can go back to the clerk's office and request a correction before your permanent card is mailed, or you can update it when your card arrives by going back in person.