Where to renew your license in Lexington

In Lexington, you renew your driver's license at the Division of Driver Licensing, which is part of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The main office is located at 200 Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. This is the place to go whether you're renewing in person or need to handle a problem with your renewal by mail.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal, so plan ahead if you choose that route. The in-person office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours can change seasonally, so call ahead at (502) 564-6800 to confirm.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though the office sometimes offers appointment slots during peak times.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew in person at 200 Main Street in Lexington, or by mail if your license is current and not suspended.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
  • A standard renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • Processing takes about 10 minutes in person; by mail, allow three to four weeks from the time the office receives your documents.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval if you renew in person, or within the same timeframe if you mail in your renewal.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Kentucky driver's license and one document that proves your current address in Kentucky. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card with you, you can provide the number verbally, and the office will verify it through the Social Security Administration database. Bring your original Social Security card only if you have it; it is not required.

If you are renewing by mail, send copies of your current license and proof of residency along with the completed renewal form (DL 44). Do not send original documents by mail. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee, made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

The cost and license term options

A standard renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more upfront but works out cheaper per year if you plan to stay in Kentucky that long.

If you renew in person, you pay at the counter before you leave. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process. The office does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail, only checks or money orders.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and must come in person. You may also need to retake the written test and vision test if the office determines your license has been expired too long.

How long renewal takes, start to finish

If you renew in person at the Lexington office, the transaction itself takes about 10 minutes once you reach the counter. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. Your new plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks.

If you renew by mail, the office takes three to four weeks to process your process after they receive it. Add mail delivery time on both ends—typically three to five business days each way. So plan for four to six weeks total from the day you mail your renewal until your new license arrives.

If you need your license before the new one arrives, the temporary paper license issued in person is valid for driving. If you renewed by mail and need to drive before your card arrives, you will have to come in person to get a temporary license.

Renewing by mail: step-by-step

To renew by mail, first read or request the renewal form (DL 44) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by calling (502) 564-6800. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, and driver's license number. Sign and date the form.

Make a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and a copy of one proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days. Do not send originals. Include a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $30 (eight-year), made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

Mail the completed form, copies, and payment to: Division of Driver Licensing, 200 Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The office will mail your new license to the address on your process once it is processed.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail and cannot renew it in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You must first resolve the issue that caused the suspension or revocation—usually unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction.

Contact the Division of Driver Licensing at (502) 564-6800 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally. The office can tell you over the phone whether your license is currently suspended.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new license will expire six months later than your current one would have. This means if you renew six months early, your new license will be valid for four or eight years plus the remaining six months on your old license.

Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to get a new photo if their current one is outdated. Early renewal is processed the same way as a standard renewal and costs the same amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Kentucky does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at the Lexington office or by mail. Phone renewal is also not available.

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

You cannot renew a Kentucky license if you no longer live in Kentucky. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you still have a Kentucky address on file, contact the Division of Driver Licensing to update your address first.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. If you renew by mail, your current photo is used unless you request a new one. To get a new photo by mail, you must come in person instead.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents. The office will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or by mail yourself. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.