How to renew your Kentucky driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license through three routes: online at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver's licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest option and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than five years. If you cannot renew online, the mail route takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a local office is when ready but requires a visit during business hours.
Your renewal method depends on your license status, how soon you need it, and whether you want to make changes like a new address or name. Most Kentucky drivers renew online without leaving home, but some situations—such as a suspended license or a change in medical status—require you to visit an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website works for most drivers and takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
- Your license must not be expired more than five years, and you cannot have certain violations or suspensions on your record to renew online.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes, name changes, or medical updates needed.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- You will need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet runs the online renewal system at drive.ky.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. The system confirms when ready whether your renewal went through. Your new license prints at the state facility and arrives by mail within 10 business days in most cases.
Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired more than five years, you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you are not required to take a vision test or medical examination. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online—you must use the mail or in-person route. The same applies if you have changed your name or if your license shows a medical restriction that needs updating.
The renewal fee for online and mail renewal is the same as in-person renewal. Kentucky charges based on your license type (regular, commercial, motorcycle) and the number of years you are renewing for. Check the current fee on the Transportation Cabinet website before you start, since fees change periodically.
Mail renewal when you cannot go online
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no address or name changes to make, and you do not need a vision or medical test. You request a renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by calling 502-564-6800 or visiting a local driver's licensing office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Cabinet receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail. This route is slower than online renewal and offers no way to track your process once it is mailed, so use it only if online renewal is not an option for you. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license during the mail renewal period—keep your process receipt as proof.
In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years; if you need a vision test or medical examination; if you have a name or address change; or if you want to update your photo. Visit any Kentucky driver's licensing office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you are renewing for the first time in Kentucky.
The office takes your photo, processes your payment, and issues a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. Office hours and wait times vary by location, so check the Transportation Cabinet website for your nearest office and consider visiting during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) to reduce wait time.
What you need before you renew
For online renewal, you need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card for the fee. No documents are required to upload or mail.
For mail renewal, you need your current license, the completed renewal form, and a check or money order. You do not need to send copies of other documents unless you are changing your address or name, in which case you must include proof of residency or a legal name-change document.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you are renewing for the first time in Kentucky or if your address has changed, bring the residency proof. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license. A regular driver's license for someone under 21 is valid for four years. For drivers 21 and older, a regular license is valid for eight years. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods based on federal rules.
The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for and your license type. A regular four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Check the current fee schedule on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, as fees are adjusted periodically. You can pay by credit card or debit card online, or by check or money order by mail. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives
If you renew online or by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license during the renewal period. Keep your online confirmation receipt or your mail process receipt as proof. If you are stopped by police, show them your receipt along with your expired license. Law enforcement in Kentucky recognizes the renewal receipt as proof of a pending renewal.
If you renewed in person and received a temporary paper license, that temporary is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license has not arrived within 30 days, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 to check the status. In rare cases, a license may be delayed in the mail, and the Cabinet can issue a replacement temporary or a duplicate permanent license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if it has been expired for more than five years?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired more than five years. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person. The office will process your renewal as an in-person transaction, and you will receive a temporary license when ready and a permanent license by mail within 10 business days.
Do I need to take a new vision test to renew?
Not usually. Most renewals do not require a vision test. However, if your license shows a vision restriction, if you are over a certain age (check with your local office), or if the Transportation Cabinet flags your record for a medical review, you may be asked to take a test. If so, you must renew in person at a driver's licensing office.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of residency to the office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license typically arrives by mail within 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 to check the status of your order.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must visit a driver's licensing office in person. The office will tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation before a new license can be issued.