Kentucky driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a driver's licensing office
Kentucky issues driver's licenses that are valid for six years from the date of issue. When your license is about to expire, you have three main paths to renew: online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a regional driver's licensing office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had any address changes, and how quickly you need the new license in hand.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains important information about which renewal method you're may be able to access for and what documents you'll need. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your license number and other identifying information to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky driver's licenses expire every six years, and you should begin the renewal process when you receive your renewal notice in the mail.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address, and it takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license by mail.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order, and typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day, though you'll wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
- If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online and must go to a driver's licensing office or renew by mail.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
Online renewal is available only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. To renew online, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's official website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You'll confirm your personal information, review the renewal terms, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Kentucky charges $20 for a standard six-year renewal. Once you submit your process, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct any information on your license, you cannot use online renewal and must either mail in your renewal or visit a driver's licensing office in person.
Mail renewal with a paper form
To renew by mail, you'll need to send in your current driver's license, a completed renewal form (Form DL 44 or the renewal notice you received), and payment. The renewal fee is $20, and you can pay by check or money order made out to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on your renewal notice or on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your current license returned to you. The mail renewal process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time your packet is received. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office or if you have a schedule that doesn't allow for an in-person visit. However, if your license has already expired, the mail renewal option may not be available, and you should contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to confirm before sending in your materials.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office
You can renew your license in person at any Kentucky driver's licensing office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you've changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
When you arrive at the office, you'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the $20 renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the fastest way to get a temporary license and is required if your current license has already expired.
Driver's licensing offices can be busy, especially near the end of the month or before holidays. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, which can reduce your wait time. Check the website for your local office's hours and whether appointments are available.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license has expired, you cannot renew online and cannot legally drive. You must renew either by mail or in person at a driver's licensing office. In-person renewal is often the better choice because you'll receive a temporary license when ready and can drive right away while your permanent license is in the mail.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have a valid renewal process in progress. If you are stopped by law enforcement, explain that your renewal is pending and show them your temporary license (if you renewed in person) or your renewal confirmation (if you renewed by mail or online). However, it's best to avoid driving until your renewal is complete.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Kentucky charges $20 for a standard six-year driver's license renewal. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.
Some driver's licensing offices may charge an additional fee if you need to replace a lost or damaged license at the same time as your renewal. If you have questions about fees or payment methods, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet directly or visit their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I've moved out of state?
You can renew your Kentucky license by mail or online if you still meet the other requirements (current license, no address change needed for online). If you've moved and need to update your address, you'll need to renew in person or by mail. If you now live in another state, you should consider getting a driver's license from your new state instead, as most states require you to transfer your license within a certain timeframe after moving.
What happens if I renew online but my information has changed?
If you realize after submitting an online renewal that your information is incorrect, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet when ready. Depending on what changed and how far along your renewal is, you may be able to cancel and start over, or you may need to visit a driver's licensing office to make corrections in person.
How long is my temporary license valid if I renew in person?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but if it doesn't, you can continue to drive on your temporary license until it arrives. If 30 days pass and you haven't received your permanent license, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Kentucky may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or other court-ordered debts. Before you renew, check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call to see if there are any holds on your license. If there are, you'll need to resolve those issues before you can renew.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew without your renewal notice. If you're renewing online, you'll need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. If you're renewing by mail, you can request a renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by calling their office. You can also visit a driver's licensing office in person to renew.