How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

Kentucky driver's licenses renew every four or six years depending on your age

Kentucky sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet driver's licensing office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, and how soon you need the new one.

Your current license will show your expiration date. If you were under 21 when you got it, it expires after four years. If you were 21 or older, it expires after six years. You can renew up to one year before expiration, though waiting until closer to the expiration date means your new license will be valid longer.

Key Takeaways

Kentucky mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25, but only works if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a REAL ID upgrade.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks for delivery.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if you've moved, need a REAL ID, or want your new license when ready.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. You go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the $25 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days.

You can only renew online if your address hasn't changed since your last license was issued. If you've moved, you must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address. Online renewal also does not work if you need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license — that requires an in-person visit. Your current license will show whether it is REAL ID-compliant with a gold star in the upper right corner.

Renewing by mail with a paper form

Mail renewal works if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a REAL ID upgrade. You fill out form DL 43 (process for Operator's License), include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet processes mail renewals in the order received, and your new license typically arrives two to three weeks after they receive your packet.

You can get form DL 43 by downloading it from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, picking one up at any driver's licensing office, or calling the Cabinet's customer service line to request one by mail. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no appointment and no trip to an office. However, if your address has changed or you need a REAL ID, this method will not work and you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a driver's licensing office

In-person renewal is required if you've moved to a new address, need a REAL ID-compliant license, or want your new license on the same day. You schedule an appointment through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's website or call the office directly. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay $25 for a standard renewal or $27 for a REAL ID-compliant license. If you need the license when ready, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. Most Kentucky driver's licensing offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. Check the Cabinet's office locator to find the one nearest you and see current wait times.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, and the renewal process is the same as if it had not yet expired.

If your license expired within the last year but you have not yet renewed, do not wait. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. Once you submit your renewal, you can drive legally only if you carry proof that your process is pending — this is typically the renewal notice the Cabinet sent you or a confirmation email from online renewal.

Upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license during renewal

A REAL ID-compliant 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 current license does not have the star, you can upgrade during renewal. You must renew in person and bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The fee is $27 instead of $25.

You cannot upgrade to REAL ID by mail or online — it requires an in-person appointment. If you are not ready to upgrade now, you can renew your standard license and upgrade later by visiting a driver's licensing office with the same documents. As of now, a REAL ID is not required for domestic air travel, but federal requirements may change. Check the Transportation Security Administration's website for current rules before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online if your address hasn't changed since your last license was issued. If you've moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Kentucky driver's licensing office during a visit home, or you can contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to ask about exceptions for military members or others with special circumstances.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using just your driver's license number and date of birth. If you've lost your license as well, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to request a replacement before you can renew.

How much does a Kentucky license renewal cost?

A standard renewal costs $25. A REAL ID-compliant renewal costs $27. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some driver's licensing offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate or replacement license at the same time.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

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.