What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged 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 $20.50 for a standard replacement), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and the permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Kentucky State Police. This creates a record and protects you if someone tries to use your identity. Bring the police report number to the licensing office if you have it, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in person with a valid ID and proof of Kentucky residency to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $20.50, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while the permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first; bring the report number to the licensing office if you have it.
- Kentucky does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
Documents You Must Bring to the Licensing Office
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary ID includes a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have a primary ID, you can use two secondary forms of ID instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.
Proof of residency must show your current Kentucky address and be dated within 60 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, or court document). A piece of mail from your employer or school does not count as proof of residency.
Bring your Social Security number or card. If you cannot locate it, you can still explore, but the process may take longer. You will also need to know your current address, any previous addresses you have lived at in Kentucky, and your date of birth.
Finding Your Nearest Regional Office and Hours
Kentucky has 16 Driver Licensing Regional Offices spread across the state. The office locations, hours, and phone numbers are listed on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website under the Driver Licensing section. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.
Call ahead or check the website before you go. Some offices experience longer wait times during lunch hours or late afternoon. A few regional offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. If your local office is closed or has a long wait, you can visit any other regional office in the state — your replacement will be processed the same way.
If you live in a rural area far from any office, contact the regional office nearest to you to ask about mobile licensing units or temporary solutions. These are rare but do exist in some counties.
What Happens at the Office and What You Pay
When you arrive, staff will verify your identity and residency documents, check your Social Security number against state records, and take a new photo. You will answer questions about your address, driving history, and any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. Be honest — providing false information on a license process is a criminal offense in Kentucky.
The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard four-year license. If you are over 65, the fee is $15 for a four-year license. Payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Use this while you wait for your permanent card.
The permanent license is mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, ask the office staff whether expedited mailing is available; this varies by location and may cost extra.
If Your License Was Damaged Rather Than Lost or Stolen
A damaged license — one that is cracked, faded, or unreadable — is replaced using the same process as a lost or stolen license. You still must visit a regional office in person with proof of identity and residency. Bring the damaged license itself if you have it; this speeds up the process because staff can verify your information directly from the card.
If the damage is minor (a small crack or slight fading that does not affect the photo or information), some offices may issue a replacement without charging the full fee. Ask the staff when you arrive. In most cases, however, you will pay the standard $20.50 replacement fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your temporary paper license is valid everywhere. Some businesses, banks, and law enforcement may not accept it as proof of identity. Carry it with you, but also keep a copy of your office receipt, which shows you have applied for a replacement. If you are pulled over while driving, show the officer both the temporary license and the receipt.
Do not wait to file a police report if your license was stolen. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove when the theft occurred. If someone uses your stolen license before you report it, a police report protects you by creating an official record of the theft date.
Do not bring expired documents as proof of residency. The document must be dated within 60 days of your visit. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement instead.
Do not assume you can use a digital copy of your ID or residency proof. The office requires original documents or certified copies. A photo of your passport on your phone is not acceptable.
What to Do If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person
Kentucky law requires in-person replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. There is no exception for people who are homebound, out of state, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of state, you must return to Kentucky to visit a regional office. If you are homebound due to illness or disability, contact the regional office nearest to you and explain your situation — staff may be able to direct you to resources or temporary solutions, though these are not may provide.
If you are in the military and stationed outside Kentucky, contact your base's military ID office. They may be able to help you obtain a temporary military ID that serves as proof of identity while you arrange to visit a Kentucky office during leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?
The permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the regional office. This timeline assumes standard U.S. mail delivery. If your address is rural or remote, delivery may take a few days longer. You can use your temporary paper license during this time.
Can I replace my license at a different regional office than the one closest to me?
Yes. You can visit any of Kentucky's 16 Driver Licensing Regional Offices, and your replacement will be processed the same way. There is no requirement to use the office in your county or district.
What if I lost my license out of state and I am not back in Kentucky yet?
You must return to Kentucky to visit a regional office in person. Kentucky does not process replacements by mail or online, and no other state can issue a Kentucky replacement on your behalf. Plan your visit to the office as soon as you are able to return.
Do I need a police report to get a replacement if my license was stolen?
No. A police report is not required to replace a stolen license. However, filing a report protects you if someone uses your stolen identity. If you have a report number, bring it to the office, but the replacement will be issued either way.
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, ask the regional office staff about the process for renewing after you receive your replacement card. You will need to handle renewal separately, either by mail or at another office visit.