How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Kentucky driver's licenses renew every four or six years, depending on your age and whether you hold a REAL ID

Kentucky issues driver's licenses on a staggered schedule. If you are under 21, your license expires four years from issue. If you are 21 or older, it expires six years from issue. A REAL ID-compliant license — marked with a gold star in the upper right corner — follows the same expiration timeline but requires different documents at renewal.

You can renew in person at a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The state does not offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses, though you can renew a REAL ID online if you have already held one and meet the requirements.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Kentucky driver's licenses expire every four years if you are under 21, or every six years if you are 21 or older.
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no address changes, and you do not need to update your photo.
In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
REAL ID renewal online is available only if you already hold a REAL ID and meet the state's requirements; otherwise, renew in person.
You can renew up to one year before expiration, but driving on an expired license is illegal even if you have submitted a renewal request.

Renewing by mail: when it works and what you need

Mail renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You may have access to if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), your address has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and you are not changing your name or gender marker. You also cannot renew by mail if you are renewing a REAL ID for the first time — that requires an in-person visit.

To renew by mail, send your renewal notice (or a letter stating your driver's license number and date of birth if you do not have the notice) along with the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for a six-year license. Mail your payment and documents to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing Section, P.O. Box 2000, Frankfort, KY 40602. Processing takes about two weeks after the Cabinet receives your materials.

Do not send your current license in the mail — keep it until you receive your new one. If your renewal is approved, the Cabinet will mail your new license to the address on file.

In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office

Visit a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office if you are renewing a REAL ID for the first time, need a new photo, have changed your address or name, or prefer to renew in person. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Kentucky address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). If you are renewing a REAL ID, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a second form of ID.

The visit takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee at the office. Standard licenses cost $20 for four years or $30 for six years. REAL ID licenses cost $20 for four years or $30 for six years — the same price as a standard license.

REAL ID renewal online

Kentucky allows online REAL ID renewal only if you already hold a REAL ID and meet specific conditions. You must have a valid Kentucky REAL ID, no address changes, no name changes, no gender marker changes, and no need for a new photo. You also cannot have a suspended or revoked license.

To renew online, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and select the REAL ID renewal option. You will need your current REAL ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $20 for four years or $30 for six years, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two weeks.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have submitted a renewal request and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. An expired license also means your vehicle insurance may not cover an accident.

If your license has already expired and you need to drive before your renewal arrives, visit a Driver Licensing office in person to request a temporary driving permit. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your renewal is being processed. Bring the same documents required for in-person renewal.

Renewing a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Licensing office in person. Bring proof that you have resolved the reason for suspension or revocation — this might be proof of payment for unpaid fines, completion of a DUI program, or a court order lifting the suspension.

The Cabinet will review your case and determine whether you are may be able to access to renew. If approved, you will pay the standard renewal fee plus any reinstatement fees, which vary depending on the reason for suspension. Processing takes longer for suspended or revoked licenses, so plan for a longer office visit.

Changing your name, address, or photo during renewal

If you are changing your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and the standard documents listed above. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you change your name.

Address changes can be made by mail if that is your only change, or in person at any Driver Licensing office. If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, straightforward provide your new address when you visit — no additional documents are needed beyond proof of residency at the new address.

If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for mail renewal, you must visit an office in person. The Cabinet does not accept new photos by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before I get the renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you are renewing by mail, send a letter with your driver's license number and date of birth along with the fee to the address listed above. If you are renewing in person, visit any Driver Licensing office with your documents.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Mail renewal takes about two weeks after the Cabinet receives your materials. In-person and online renewals also take about two weeks for delivery. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, request a temporary driving permit at a Driver Licensing office.

What if I moved out of Kentucky but still have a Kentucky license?

You cannot renew a Kentucky license if you no longer live in the state. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for renewal or transfer requirements.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?

No. Renewal does not require a written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a serious violation, in which case the Cabinet may require testing as a condition of reinstatement.

What if my renewal process is denied?

The Cabinet will mail you a notice explaining why your renewal was denied. Common reasons include an outstanding traffic fine, a suspended license, or incorrect documentation. Contact the Driver Licensing Section at the address on your denial notice to resolve the issue and resubmit your renewal.

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.