What you need to do to get a replacement license in Kentucky

To replace a lost driver's license in Kentucky, you visit a Driver's Licensing Office run by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years. The whole process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Kentucky does not offer online replacement for lost licenses, so you must go in person. The state does not mail replacement licenses to addresses other than the one on file, so if you have moved recently, update your address first or bring proof of your new address to the office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Kentucky Driver's Licensing Office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to pass the written test again before receiving a replacement.
  • Kentucky does not mail licenses to addresses different from the one on file, so update your address before you explore if you have moved.
  • You can find your nearest Driver's Licensing Office and check hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

Documents you need to bring to the office

Bring one form of primary identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have one of those, bring two forms of secondary ID, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, or a utility bill and a bank statement.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If someone else's name is on the document, bring a second proof showing your name and the same address.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a card, bring a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your number.

The replacement fee and what you receive

Kentucky charges $20 to replace a lost standard driver's license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the fee is $30. You pay in cash or card at the office.

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you finish at the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving and identification. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mailing address is the one on file with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, so if you have moved, update your address before you go to the office or bring proof of your new address and ask the office to update it.

When you need to retake the written test

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you do not retake any test. You straightforward pay the fee and receive your replacement.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must pass the written knowledge test before the office issues a replacement. You do not retake the road test. The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs and takes about 20 minutes. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, available free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Most people pass on the first try.

Finding a Driver's Licensing Office near you

Kentucky has Driver's Licensing Offices in every county. The main office is in Frankfort, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings.

Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest office, see its hours, and check wait times. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others let you book an appointment online. Booking ahead can cut your wait time in half, especially on Fridays.

If your license was stolen and you think someone might use it

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to the Kentucky State Police or your local police department. This creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement, but it protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud.

When you go to the Driver's Licensing Office, tell the staff that your license was stolen. They will flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. You still pay the standard $20 replacement fee.

What happens to your old license number

When you receive a replacement license, you get a new license number. Your old number is deactivated in Kentucky's system and cannot be used for driving or identification. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the same process applies — you get a new CDL number when you replace it.

Update any records that list your old license number, such as your car insurance policy, vehicle registration, or employer records. Most insurance companies can update this over the phone or online. Your vehicle registration does not need to change unless your address changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license mailed to an address different from the one on file?

No. Kentucky mails replacement licenses only to the address on file with the Transportation Cabinet. If you have moved, update your address at the Driver's Licensing Office before you explore, or bring proof of your new address and ask the office to update it during your visit. The office can update your address the same day.

How long does it take to get the plastic card in the mail?

The plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to use it while you wait. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to check the status.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No. You do not need to bring your old license to get a replacement. If you have it, you can bring it, but the office will not ask for it. If you want to destroy it yourself, you can cut it up or shred it.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Kentucky?

You can still get a replacement by visiting any Kentucky Driver's Licensing Office when you return to the state. You cannot get a replacement by mail or online. If you need to drive before you can visit an office, you can request a temporary driving permit from the office, valid for up to 30 days.

Does replacing a lost license affect my driving record or insurance?

No. Replacing a lost license does not change your driving record or affect your insurance rates. Your driving history stays the same. You should tell your insurance company about your new license number so they can update their records, but this is an administrative change and does not impact your policy.