Kentucky driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age
Your Kentucky driver's license expires on your birthday, and the renewal window opens 30 days before that date. You can renew starting then through your expiration date without penalty. If you let it lapse past your birthday, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee when you do.
Kentucky offers two renewal paths: by mail or in person at a driver's licensing office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and what type of license you hold. Most people renew by mail the first time, then switch to in-person renewal later when they need a photo update or have a change to report.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the day the Transportation Cabinet receives your process. In-person renewal is usually finished the same day, though wait times at busy offices can stretch to an hour or more.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, but you must be between 21 and 64 years old.
- In-person renewal at a driver's licensing office takes the same day and is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are under 21 or over 64.
- Mail renewal costs $20 and in-person renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for either renewal method.
- The Transportation Cabinet processes mail applications in the order received, so send yours early in your renewal window to avoid delays.
Renewing by mail: who can use it and what to send
Mail renewal is available only if you meet all of these conditions: your current license is still valid (not expired), you are between 21 and 64 years old, you do not need a new photo, and you have not had any address changes since your last license was issued. If any of those do not explore to you, you must renew in person instead.
To renew by mail, print the DL 44 form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or request one by phone at 502-564-6800. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a photocopy of your current license, a document showing your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
The Cabinet receives mail at a processing center and works through applications in the order they arrive. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, but during busy periods (particularly around renewal season in spring and summer) it can take longer. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.
Renewing in person: when you need to go to an office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you are under 21 or over 64, if you need a new photo, or if you have moved since your last license was issued. You will also renew in person if you want to change your name, correct information on your license, or upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license.
Find your nearest driver's licensing office on the Transportation Cabinet website by entering your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days per week. A few offices offer Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have reduced staffing on certain days.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot. The cost is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is mailed to you, which normally arrives within two weeks.
What documents count as proof of residency and Social Security
For proof of your current address, the Transportation Cabinet accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill does not count, and neither does mail from a government agency unless it is a tax document or benefit statement.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a tax return, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a benefit statement from Social Security. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document showing your number that was issued by a government agency, such as a military ID or a state benefit card. A driver's license or passport does not count as proof of your Social Security number, even though it may have been issued by a government body.
REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Kentucky driver's licenses come in two versions: standard licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want one, you must renew in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal. If you do not need REAL ID compliance, you can continue renewing by mail or in person without the birth certificate.
If you already have a REAL ID license, you can renew it by mail as long as you meet all the other mail renewal requirements. Your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant. You do not need to bring your birth certificate again.
Renewing an expired license or a license that expired long ago
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it through the normal process. Go to a driver's licensing office in person, bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, and pay the standard renewal fee. You will receive a new license valid for four or eight years from the date you renew.
If your license expired more than five years ago, Kentucky treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to pass a written test and a driving test, not just renew. You must also bring proof of your legal presence in the United States, such as a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document. Contact the Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 to understand the full requirements before you go to an office, because the process is more involved than a standard renewal.
Changing your name, address, or other information during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The office will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.
If you need to correct information on your license that is wrong—such as your date of birth, eye color, or height—go to a driver's licensing office and bring documents that support the correction. You may not need to renew your entire license; the office can sometimes issue a corrected license without a full renewal. Call 502-564-6800 to ask what documents you will need for your specific correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license if I live out of state now?
No. Kentucky requires you to be a resident of the state to hold a Kentucky license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still own property in Kentucky or have other ties to the state, contact the Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-6800 to discuss your situation.
What happens if I let my license expire and then try to drive?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Kentucky and can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record. If you are pulled over, you should renew your license as soon as possible. An expired license does not automatically suspend your driving privilege; it just means your license is no longer valid.
How long is my temporary paper license good for after I renew in person?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your plastic license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary license covers you until it arrives. If you need to travel by air before your plastic license arrives, bring your temporary license and a passport or other federal ID to the airport.
Can I renew my license online?
Kentucky does not offer online renewal at this time. You can renew by mail or in person only. The Transportation Cabinet website has information about both methods and a tool to find your nearest office.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
Go to a driver's licensing office in person. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The office will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. You will pay one fee for the replacement and renewal combined.