How to Get and Renew Your Kentucky Driver's License

What you need to get a Kentucky driver's license

Kentucky issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation, Division of Driver Licensing. You'll need to visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you're a new resident of Kentucky, you have 30 days from moving to obtain a Kentucky license. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the office. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. The written test is offered in multiple languages.

The standard driver's license costs $28 and is valid for four years. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the cost is the same, but you'll need to bring additional documentation: an original or certified birth certificate instead of a photocopy, and your Social Security card itself rather than a copy.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency dated within 60 days.
Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for four years and cost $28, or the same price for a REAL ID version if you bring your original birth certificate and Social Security card.
You'll take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; the written test is available in multiple languages.
New residents have 30 days from moving to Kentucky to obtain a license; those under 18 need a parent or guardian present.

Renewing your Kentucky driver's license

Kentucky allows you to renew your driver's license online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired, you cannot renew online — you must visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in person and retake the written and vision tests. The same applies if you have medical restrictions or if you want to change your address, name, or license class. Bring the same documents you would for an initial license.

Kentucky sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you miss the important date, you can still renew at an office, but you'll be treated as having an expired license and will need to pass the tests again.

Where to find a Regional Driver's Licensing Office

Kentucky operates Regional Driver's Licensing Offices in most counties. The main office is in Frankfort, but you can visit any regional office regardless of where you live. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website by entering your county or city.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities (Louisville, Lexington, Covington) tend to have longer waits, especially on Saturdays and the first week of the month. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with all required documents and plan for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wait time and whether you're taking tests. You'll first check in and submit your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, then direct you to the vision test station.

The vision test checks your ability to read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. After passing the vision test, you'll sit for the written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 40 questions; you need to answer 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost.

Once you pass both tests, you'll have your photo taken and pay the fee. Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any Regional Driver's Licensing Office or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. An in-person replacement costs $28 and takes the same time as a renewal visit — you won't need to retake tests unless your license is expired.

If you replace your license online, you'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report for your records, though it's not required to replace the license itself.

Changing your name or address on your license

To change your name on your Kentucky driver's license, you must visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The name change costs $28 and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

To change your address, you can do so online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if your license is not expired. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, update your address, and pay $0 — address changes are free. Your updated license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license is expired, you must visit an office in person to change your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. Kentucky offers the written knowledge test in Spanish, French, German, and several other languages. When you arrive at the Regional Driver's Licensing Office, let staff know which language you need and they will provide the test in that language.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day to try again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day.

How long does a Kentucky driver's license last?

A standard Kentucky driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before expiration if you have no medical restrictions and your license is not already expired.

Do I need a REAL ID license to fly domestically?

Yes, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of federal ID to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID Kentucky license costs the same as a standard license ($28) but requires you to bring your original birth certificate and Social Security card instead of copies.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

If your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website from anywhere. If your license is expired or you have restrictions, you must visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office in Kentucky in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.