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. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Most people under 65 can renew online or by mail without visiting a driver's licensing office. If you're 65 or older, you must renew in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office.
Your renewal method depends on what's changed since your last license. If your address, name, or other information has changed, you may need to go in person. If nothing has changed and you have no medical conditions that affect driving, you can often complete the process from home.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration; check your mail or log into your account at drive.ky.gov to see your renewal status.
- Online renewal through drive.ky.gov costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for a six-year license, plus a $1 online processing fee.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo if your license is more than 10 years old.
- In-person renewal at a Regional Driver Licensing Office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.
- If your license has expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore in person as a new applicant.
Renewing online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're under 65 and your information hasn't changed. Go to drive.ky.gov, click "Renew Your License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your health and driving record. If everything is clear, you'll pay the renewal fee and upload a new photo or use an existing one from your file.
The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for a six-year license, plus a $1 online processing fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You also cannot renew online if you have medical conditions that require a doctor's statement or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Renewing by mail with the renewal notice
Mail renewal works if you received a renewal notice from Kentucky and your information hasn't changed. Fill out the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($20 for four years or $30 for six years), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
If your current license photo is more than 10 years old, you must include a new photo with your process. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, in color, taken within the last 30 days, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have a photo taken at most pharmacies or photo studios for $5 to $15.
Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet processes mail renewals within 10 to 15 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.
Renewing in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office
You must renew in person if you're 65 or older, if your information has changed, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have medical conditions affecting your ability to drive. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. The fee is the same: $20 for four years or $30 for six years.
You can make an appointment online at drive.ky.gov or call 502-564-6800. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring a new photo if your current license photo is more than 10 years old, or the office will take one for you at no extra charge.
Regional Driver Licensing Offices are located in Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Covington, Ashland, Pikeville, Hazard, Somerset, and Bowling Green. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check drive.ky.gov for the office nearest you and its specific hours.
What to do if your license has expired more than one year ago
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person at a Regional Driver Licensing Office. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address.
You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test takes about 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control and traffic law compliance. Fees for a new license are the same as renewal: $20 for four years or $30 for six years.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved or changed your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you changed your name, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You cannot change your address or name online or by mail. The office will update your information, take a new photo if needed, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you must wait for your new license before driving.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
Log into your account at drive.ky.gov with your driver's license number and date of birth to check your renewal status. You can renew online without the notice if you're under 65 and your information hasn't changed. If you prefer to renew by mail, call 502-564-6800 to request a renewal notice.
How much does a Kentucky driver's license renewal cost?
A four-year license costs $20, and a six-year license costs $30. Online renewal includes a $1 processing fee. In-person renewal has no additional fee. Mail renewal costs are the same as in-person renewal.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What if my address on file is wrong but I don't want to change it yet?
You must update your address within 10 days of moving under Kentucky law. If you renew without updating your address, your new license will be mailed to the old address. Renew in person if you need to change your address, or call 502-564-6800 to update it before renewing online or by mail.