How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Kentucky driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

You can renew your Kentucky driver's license through three routes: online at drive.ky.gov, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Which route you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is Real ID compliant. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Kentucky sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you have not received one, you can still renew without it, but having the notice makes the process smoother because it contains your renewal code. Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on the front, so you can renew at any point in the 60 days before that date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at drive.ky.gov takes minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time.
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice Kentucky sends you and takes about two weeks total, including mailing time in both directions.
Real ID licenses require an in-person visit and documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Kentucky residency.
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew — you must report it and request a replacement at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information on the license itself. Go to drive.ky.gov, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to create or log into a Kentucky online services account. The system will ask you to review your current information and confirm it is correct.

Payment is by credit or debit card. A four-year renewal costs $20; an eight-year renewal costs $30. Once you pay, you are done — Kentucky will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it will explain why. Common reasons include an expired license, a pending name change, or a Real ID status that requires an in-person visit. In those cases, use the mail or in-person route instead.

Mail renewal: no office visit, but slower

Use mail renewal if you have received your renewal notice from Kentucky and your license is not expired. The notice includes a prepaid return envelope and a form you sign and mail back along with your payment. Write a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $30 (eight-year) — do not send cash. Mail everything to the address on the envelope.

Processing takes about two weeks after Kentucky receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. Plan for three to four weeks total from the time you drop it in the mail. You can drive on your current license the entire time. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Division of Driver Licensing at 502-564-6800, or you can skip the notice and renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office

Renewing in person takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will need to bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need to bring documents proving your identity and Kentucky residency — see the Real ID section below.

Find your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office at drive.ky.gov under "Locations." Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. A four-year renewal costs $20; an eight-year renewal costs $30. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID renewal: in-person visit with extra documents

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your Real ID license is expiring and you want to renew it as a Real ID, you must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person. You cannot renew a Real ID online or by mail.

Bring your current Real ID license, proof of Social Security number, and documents proving your identity and Kentucky residency. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Kentucky address. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office staff will review your documents and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.

If you do not want to renew as a Real ID, you can renew as a standard license instead. A standard license is valid for driving within Kentucky and other states, but you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. You can renew a standard license online, by mail, or in person.

What to do if your license is expired

You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail. You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to pass a vision test or written test — call 502-564-6800 to ask about your specific situation before you go.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you have scheduled an appointment or submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires.

Lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement instead. Go to a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person with proof of your Social Security number and a document proving your identity. A replacement license costs $10 and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the office when you explore for the replacement. Kentucky will note the theft in its system. You do not need a police report to request a replacement, but you can file one if you want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license if I have moved out of state?

No. Kentucky requires you to be a resident to hold a Kentucky driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Kentucky but have moved, you can update your address during online renewal or bring proof of your new address to an in-person renewal.

What happens if I let my license expire and then try to renew it?

You must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may also have to pass a vision test or written knowledge test. Call 502-564-6800 before you go to find out what tests you will need to take.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case the permanent is delayed. If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, call 502-564-6800.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but you must do it in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, a document proving your identity, and a document proving your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name during online or mail renewal.

Do I have to choose four years or eight years when I renew?

Yes. When you renew, you choose either a four-year license for $20 or an eight-year license for $30. The eight-year option costs more but means you will not have to renew again for eight years. Both are equally valid; the choice is yours based on your preference and budget.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.