What you need to do right now

To replace a lost Kentucky driver's license, you'll visit your local county clerk's office or a Regional Driver Licensing Office, pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a regular license), and provide proof of identity. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices take appointments. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which takes about 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. Kentucky treats a lost license as a replacement, not a new license, so you keep your same license number and driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your county clerk's office or a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person with proof of identity and $20 to replace your lost license.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • The permanent replacement card arrives in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to retake any tests.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it's not required to get a replacement.
  • You can renew your license at the same time if it's expiring soon, which costs an additional fee.

Where to go: County clerk vs. Regional Driver Licensing Office

Kentucky gives you two main options. Your county clerk's office handles license replacements and is usually the closest location. Every Kentucky county has one, and most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. You can find your county clerk's address and phone number by searching "[your county name] Kentucky clerk" online or visiting the Kentucky Clerk's Association website.

The Regional Driver Licensing Offices are run by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and handle the same replacement service. There are several across the state, and some are in larger cities or shopping areas. Both options charge the same $20 fee and issue the same temporary paper license on the spot. The main difference is location and hours — choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Neither location requires you to make an appointment, though some Regional Offices accept them. Calling ahead to confirm hours is worth the two minutes, especially if you're traveling a distance.

What to bring: Documents and proof of identity

Bring one form of government-issued photo ID. A passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead — a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill with your current address will do.

You'll also need to bring $20 in cash or card payment. Most county clerk offices and Regional Offices accept both, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is smart if you only have one option.

If your license was stolen and you want to report it, bring a copy of the police report. It's not required to get a replacement, but it's useful if you're concerned about identity theft or fraud.

The temporary paper license and waiting for your permanent card

When you complete your replacement at the counter, you'll walk out with a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days. This temporary is a full legal license — you can drive with it, and police will accept it as proof of licensure. Keep it in your wallet or car until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent replacement card is mailed to the address on file with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you've moved recently and your address on file is outdated, update it at the same time you explore for your replacement — the clerk can do this in one visit.

If your permanent card doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Regional Driver Licensing Office or your county clerk to check the status. Delays are rare, but they happen.

If your license was stolen: Should you report it?

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but worth considering if you're worried about identity theft. A police report creates an official record and can help if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You don't need the report to get a replacement — Kentucky will issue you a new card regardless — but having one on file gives you documentation if problems arise later.

If you report it stolen, bring a copy of the police report to the clerk's office. Some offices will note it in their system, which can be useful if someone tries to use the old license.

Renewing at the same time if your license is expiring soon

If your license is expiring within the next few months, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. This costs an additional renewal fee (currently $20 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal, depending on your age and license type) on top of the $20 replacement fee. Doing both in one trip saves you a return visit later.

Tell the clerk when you arrive that you want to replace and renew. They'll process both transactions together, and you'll get one temporary paper license covering both the replacement and the renewal.

What happens to your driving record

Your driving record stays exactly the same. A lost license replacement doesn't reset anything — your license number, your points, your violations, and your driving history all remain on file with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. From the state's perspective, you're getting a new card for the same license, not a new license.

This also means you don't need to retake the written test or the road test. You keep your current license class (Class D for regular driving, Class M for motorcycles, etc.) and any endorsements you already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Kentucky requires you to appear in person at a county clerk's office or Regional Driver Licensing Office to replace a lost license. You cannot do it online or by mail. However, the process is quick — most replacements take 10 to 15 minutes at the counter.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Kentucky?

You can still drive on your temporary paper license if you get one before you leave the state. If you're already out of state and can't return to Kentucky right away, you can contact your county clerk's office by phone to ask about mailing in documents, though most offices prefer in-person visits. Some states will honor an out-of-state temporary license, but it's safest to check with the state you're traveling through.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

The replacement fee is $20. If you're also renewing your license at the same time, add $20 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal. Payment is due at the time you explore, and most offices take cash and cards.

Will I get the same license number?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. The state keeps your license number tied to your driving record, so replacing a lost card doesn't change it.

What if I find my old license after I get a replacement?

Destroy it or return it to your county clerk's office. Once you've been issued a replacement, your old license is no longer valid, even if you find it. Using an old license after a replacement has been issued can cause confusion with law enforcement or at the DMV.