What you need to do right now
To replace a lost Kentucky driver's license, you must visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in person with proof of identity and residency. Kentucky does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will pay a fee (currently $20 for a standard replacement), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Kentucky State Police. While not required to get a replacement, a police report protects you against identity theft and creates a record if someone uses your license number fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office with valid proof of identity and Kentucky residency; no online or mail-in replacement is available.
- Bring one primary ID document (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $20 and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; the permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report to document the loss and protect against identity theft, though this is not required for the replacement itself.
Documents you must bring to the office
Kentucky requires two categories of documents: one form of primary identification and one proof of current Kentucky residency. Your primary ID must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.
Acceptable primary ID documents include a valid U.S. passport, military ID card, certified birth certificate (with raised or embossed seal), or a valid out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents: a Social Security card plus a high school diploma or GED certificate, or a Social Security card plus a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Kentucky address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or insurance documents all work. Your name must appear on the document. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
Finding and visiting a Driver Licensing Regional Office
Kentucky operates 16 Driver Licensing Regional Offices across the state. You can visit any office regardless of where you live or where your lost license was issued. The main office in Frankfort and regional offices in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, Pikeville, Ashland, Corbin, Somerset, Hazard, Prestonsburg, Morehead, and two additional locations serve the entire state.
You do not need an appointment. Offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are typically less crowded than afternoons. All offices are closed on state holidays and Sundays. Hours vary by location, so check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call your nearest office before you go.
Bring your documents, the $20 fee in cash or card, and be prepared to have your photo taken. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents.
What happens after you leave the office
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent card for driving, identification, and age verification. Keep it with you while you wait for your permanent card.
Your permanent Kentucky driver's license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks. If you do not receive your card within 14 days, contact the Driver Licensing Branch at the phone number on your temporary license to confirm it was mailed.
If your license was stolen
File a police report with your local police department or Kentucky State Police. You do not need a police report to get your replacement license, but a report creates an official record that your license was stolen rather than lost. This protects you if someone attempts to use your license number for fraud or identity theft.
When you file the report, provide the officer with your license number, date of birth, and the date you discovered it missing. Ask for a case number and keep it for your records. If fraudulent activity occurs later using your license information, you can reference the police report to show you reported it stolen.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is bringing photocopies instead of originals. Kentucky requires original documents or certified copies with a raised seal. A photocopy of your birth certificate or passport will not be accepted, even if it is notarized.
The second mistake is bringing proof of residency that is too old. Documents must be dated within 60 days of your visit. A utility bill from four months ago will not work. If you recently moved, bring a lease or mortgage statement from your new address, or ask your utility company for a recent bill.
Do not assume you can use a secondary ID combination without a primary ID. If you do not have a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate, you must bring both a Social Security card and a second document (diploma, marriage certificate, or divorce decree). One document alone is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can bring a Social Security card plus a high school diploma, GED certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. All documents must be originals or certified copies. If you do not have any of these, contact the Driver Licensing Branch to ask about other acceptable documents for your situation.
What if I moved out of state after losing my license?
You can still get a Kentucky replacement by visiting any Driver Licensing Regional Office in Kentucky. If you cannot return to Kentucky, you will need to obtain a driver's license in your new state instead. Kentucky cannot issue a replacement to someone who no longer resides in the state.
Do I need to pay for a replacement if my license was stolen?
Yes. The $20 replacement fee applies whether your license was lost or stolen. Filing a police report does not waive the fee. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the new card.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent card has not arrived by then, contact the Driver Licensing Branch when ready. Do not drive on an expired temporary license.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I cannot go to the office?
No. You must appear in person at the Driver Licensing Regional Office to explore for your replacement. Kentucky does not allow someone else to explore on your behalf or to pick up a replacement license for you.