Kentucky driver's licenses renew every four or six years depending on your age
Kentucky sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet driver's licensing office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; online renewal is faster but not available to everyone.
Your renewal notice tells you which method you're may be able to access for. If you're under 21, you must renew in person. If you're 21 or older and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can usually renew online unless your address has changed or you need to update your photo.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and you should start the process before that important date to avoid driving with an expired license.
- Online renewal is available to drivers 21 and older whose licenses are valid and whose addresses haven't changed, and costs $20 for a four-year renewal or $30 for six years.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if you're under 21, need a new photo, have a suspended license, or prefer to renew in person.
- You'll need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number for either renewal method.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person at a licensing office.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
To renew online, go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's official website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for a six-year license. You pay by credit or debit card during the process. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that window.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if you need to update your photo, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if your license expired more than one year ago. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Kentucky driver's licensing office
Visit any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet driver's licensing office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate if this is your first Kentucky license or if your name has changed since your last renewal.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary license to drive home. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for a six-year license.
What to do if your license has expired more than one year ago
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online renewal or mail renewal. You must appear in person at a Kentucky driver's licensing office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, but the office staff will verify that your license was not suspended or revoked during the time it was expired. If there are any holds on your record, you'll need to resolve them before your new license is issued. This can add time to the process.
Finding a Kentucky driver's licensing office near you
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet operates driver's licensing offices in every county. Use the office locator on the Transportation Cabinet website to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during certain hours.
Call ahead before you go. Some offices have long wait times on certain days, and a few locations fill up and stop accepting customers by mid-afternoon. The Transportation Cabinet website shows current wait times at some offices, updated throughout the day.
Renewing your license by mail (limited availability)
Kentucky does not offer standard mail renewal for driver's licenses. However, if you are a Kentucky resident living outside the United States, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet directly at the phone number on your renewal notice to ask about this option.
Military personnel stationed outside Kentucky may also have different renewal options. Call the Transportation Cabinet or visit their website to confirm whether you're may be able to access for mail renewal based on your military status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I just moved to a new address?
If you moved within Kentucky, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office because your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and Social Security number. Online renewal will not work for address changes.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Kentucky. You can be stopped and cited. However, you can continue driving on your current license while waiting for your renewed license to arrive by mail, as long as you've started the renewal process before expiration. Keep your renewal notice or temporary license with you as proof.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days of renewal, whether you renewed online or in person. You can drive on your current license during this time. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite the process through the Transportation Cabinet, but you can request a temporary license at an in-person renewal appointment.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online, your photo from your previous license is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken. You cannot choose to update your photo during online renewal. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you must go to a driver's licensing office instead.
What if my Social Security number or name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your updated Social Security number. If only your Social Security number has changed, contact the Transportation Cabinet before renewing to update your record.