Kentucky driver's licenses renew every four or six years depending on your age
Kentucky sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Most Kentucky drivers under 65 can renew online or by mail without visiting a driver's licensing office. Drivers 65 and older must renew in person at a Regional Driver's Licensing Office.
Your renewal method depends on what changes since your last license. If your address, name, or other personal information has changed, you may need to visit an office in person. If everything stays the same, you can often complete the process from home.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and the notice tells you which renewal method you can use.
- Drivers under 65 can usually renew online at drive.ky.gov or by mail, while drivers 65 and older must renew in person at a Regional Driver's Licensing Office.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $27.50 for a four-year license or $38.50 for a six-year license.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license and the renewal form to the address on your notice, and processing takes two to three weeks.
- If you cannot renew by mail or online, you must schedule an appointment at a Regional Driver's Licensing Office through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 65 and your personal information has not changed. Go to drive.ky.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You will need your current Kentucky driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card).
The online system checks your information against state records and tells you when ready whether you can complete the renewal. If approved, your new license prints at the facility and ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $27.50 for a four-year license or $38.50 for a six-year license.
If the system flags any issues — such as a name change, address change, or outstanding tickets — it will tell you that you must renew in person. Do not ignore this message. You cannot complete online renewal if the system requires verification.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal works only if your renewal notice says you are may be able to access and your personal information has not changed. The notice includes a renewal form and a prepaid envelope. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license to the address printed on the envelope.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. The fee is the same as online renewal: $27.50 for four years or $38.50 for six years. The notice tells you whether to include a check or money order, or whether the fee is already paid.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from drive.ky.gov to carry while you wait.
Renewing in person at a Regional Driver's Licensing Office
You must renew in person if you are 65 or older, if your personal information has changed, or if the online or mail system tells you to come in. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet operates Regional Driver's Licensing Offices across the state. Find the office nearest you and check its hours at drive.ky.gov.
Schedule an appointment through the website before you visit. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and reduce wait time. Bring your current Kentucky driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
If your name or address has changed, bring documents that show the change. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill or lease in your new name. The office staff will tell you what documents they need when you call or check the website.
What to bring and what documents you need
For any renewal method, you need your current Kentucky driver's license. For in-person renewal, you also need proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The Social Security proof can be your actual card, a W-2, a 1099, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. Address proof must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you changed your name through a court, bring a certified copy of the court order. If you were married, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.
If you are renewing in person and need to update your address, bring a document showing your new address in your name. The office cannot update your address based on your word alone.
Fees and how long renewal takes
Kentucky driver's licenses cost $27.50 for a four-year license or $38.50 for a six-year license. The renewal notice tells you which term you are may be able to access for based on your age. Drivers under 65 typically get a six-year license, while drivers 65 and older get a four-year license.
Online renewal is fastest: your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready if you visit during office hours, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from drive.ky.gov. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal license while you wait for the physical card.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or online if you are under 65 and your personal information has not changed. The online system and mail renewal process work the same way for expired licenses. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, print a temporary license from drive.ky.gov. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and is recognized by police as a legal license. If your temporary license expires before your new one arrives, you must visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in person.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Contact your nearest Regional Driver's Licensing Office to find out whether your specific situation requires testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I moved out of state?
No. Kentucky only renews licenses for people who still live in Kentucky. If you moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your Kentucky license by mail or in person at a Regional Driver's Licensing Office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online at drive.ky.gov or by calling a Regional Driver's Licensing Office to request a new notice. The office can tell you your renewal important date and which method you are may be able to access for. You do not need the physical notice to renew online.
How do I know if my license is about to expire?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Kentucky also mails a renewal notice 60 days before expiration. If you did not receive a notice, check your address on file at drive.ky.gov or call your nearest Regional Driver's Licensing Office to confirm it is correct.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Outstanding tickets or fines may prevent you from renewing online or by mail. The online system will tell you if there is a block on your account. If you cannot renew online, contact the court that issued the ticket to pay the fine, then try renewing again or visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in person.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You can change your address online during online renewal if you have a new address in Kentucky. For mail renewal, include a note with your new address, though you may need to visit an office in person if the system requires verification. For in-person renewal, bring a document showing your new address and the office will update it when ready.