Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license in person at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need to bring a new photo unless you want to update the one on file.
For online renewal, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state charges a fee for online renewal; the exact amount depends on the type of license and how long you're renewing it for.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- You can renew in person up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age; the state will tell you your renewal date on your current license.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website
Start at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online—you'll need to go in person instead.
Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing typically takes five to ten business days after payment, though mail delivery adds another week or two depending on where you live.
In-person renewal at a Driver Licensing office
Find your nearest Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office on the state website or by calling 502-564-6800. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online scheduling system—check your local office's page before you go.
Bring all required documents in original form (not copies). The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo if you want one, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Kentucky driver's license renewal fees vary based on your age and the length of the renewal. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The state offers eight-year licenses to drivers age 21 and older; drivers under 21 receive four-year licenses. Check your current license to see your expiration date and calculate which renewal period applies to you.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it will still be valid for the full four or eight years from the renewal date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it without retaking the written or road test, as long as it expired within the last five years (for online renewal) or at any point in the past (for in-person renewal).
What happens if your license is expired by more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it through the online system. You must go in person to a Driver Licensing office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
The staff will process your renewal the same way they would for a current license. You do not have to retake the written test or road test unless the state has specific reason to require it (for example, if you have medical restrictions that need to be reassessed). Ask the office staff when you arrive if any additional testing is required based on your situation.
Changing your name, address, or other information during renewal
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address along with your other documents. The staff will update your record and issue a new license with the correct address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You can renew in person or online, but if you renew online, your name must match exactly what the system has on file. If there's any mismatch, go in person instead so staff can review the legal document and update your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must go in person to a Driver Licensing office. Either way, you do not have to retake the written or road test unless the state specifically requires it.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online, the state processes it in five to ten business days, then mails it to you—add another week or two for delivery. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in two to three weeks.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
No. If you renew online, your current photo stays on file. If you renew in person, you can ask for a new photo, but it's not required. Let the staff know when you arrive if you want to update your photo.
What if I moved to Kentucky from another state?
You cannot renew your out-of-state license in Kentucky. You must get a new Kentucky license instead. Visit a Driver Licensing office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Kentucky, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Social Security number. You may have to take a written test depending on your state's reciprocity agreement with Kentucky.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Kentucky does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the state website, or in person at any Driver Licensing office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail-in if you meet the requirements.