Kentucky driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Kentucky driver's license online through the Transportation Cabinet website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver's Licensing Office. The online route is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks but requires you to have a valid passport or other federal ID on file with the state. In-person renewal at a local office takes 30 minutes to an hour but lets you handle everything the same day.
Which method works for you depends on when your license expires, whether you need to change your address or photo, and how soon you need the card. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go in person or by mail. If you want a new photo or to update your address, in-person is your only option.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website takes 10 minutes and costs $20, but only works if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, costs $20, and requires you to have a valid passport or federal ID already on file with Kentucky.
- In-person renewal at any Driver's Licensing Office lets you update your photo and address the same day, costs $20, and takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
Online renewal through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Go to the Transportation Cabinet's online renewal portal at drive.ky.gov. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online — most people are, as long as the license has not expired yet.
Pay the $20 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive legally until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not let you change your photo, address, or name — if you need any of those changes, you must renew in person or by mail with a name-change document.
Mail renewal with a valid federal ID on file
Mail renewal is an option only if you have already submitted a valid passport, military ID, or other federal ID to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in a previous transaction. The state uses this to verify your identity without seeing you in person. If you have never submitted federal ID to Kentucky, you cannot use mail renewal.
Request a renewal form by calling the Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 or visiting a Driver's Licensing Office to pick one up. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20 payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive it. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow photo or address changes.
In-person renewal at a Driver's Licensing Office
Visit any Driver's Licensing Office in Kentucky with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo is not enough.
You will have your photo taken and can update your address at the same time. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20. If your license expired more than three years ago, you will need to retake the written test and vision screening before the office will renew it.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check current wait times for your nearest office on the Transportation Cabinet website before you go.
What to bring and how much it costs
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license, Social Security number | $20 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Current license, federal ID on file, Social Security number | $20 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security number | $20 | Same day (temporary); 7–10 days (plastic) |
All renewal methods cost $20. The fee is the same whether you renew for four or eight years — Kentucky licenses are valid for either period depending on your age and whether you are a commercial driver. The Transportation Cabinet will tell you which term applies to you when you renew.
If your license is already expired
You cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired. You must go in person to a Driver's Licensing Office. If your license expired fewer than three years ago, the office will renew it as a standard renewal for $20. If it expired more than three years ago, you will be treated as a new applicant — you will need to retake the written test, vision screening, and pay a higher fee (the amount varies; call 502-564-6800 to confirm current pricing).
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The office will issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.
Finding a Driver's Licensing Office near you
The Transportation Cabinet operates Driver's Licensing Offices in every county. Search for the office nearest you on the Cabinet's website at drive.ky.gov — the site lists hours, phone numbers, and current wait times. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; a few have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office is open on a particular day, especially around holidays.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, mail renewal or online renewal (if your license is not expired) may save you a trip. If neither is an option, plan to spend a full morning or afternoon at the office, especially if you need to retake any tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a Kentucky address on file to renew a Kentucky license. If you have moved permanently, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still live in Kentucky but moved to a new address, you can update your address during any renewal method — online and mail renewal do not allow address changes, but in-person renewal does.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver's Licensing Office.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives — typically 7 to 10 business days. Driving on an expired license after that period is illegal.
What if the Transportation Cabinet website says I am not may be able to access to renew online?
The system will tell you why — usually because your license has expired, you have an outstanding ticket or suspension, or your identity could not be verified. Call 502-564-6800 to ask what the issue is and whether you can resolve it. You can always renew in person at any Driver's Licensing Office regardless of online may be able to access.