Where to get your Lexington-Fayette driver's license
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issues all driver's licenses in the state, but you handle the transaction at a local office. In Lexington-Fayette County, that means the Division of Driver Licensing office located at 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. This is the only full-service location in the county where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or make changes to your current license.
You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot be changing your name or address. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website has a renewal portal where you can check whether you're may be able to access before you go in person.
If you need to change your address after moving, you must do that in person at the Main Street office. The same applies if you want to add or remove endorsements (like a motorcycle endorsement) or if you're explore for your first license.
Key Takeaways
- The Division of Driver Licensing office at 200 East Main Street is the only place in Lexington-Fayette County where you can explore for a new license or make changes to an existing one.
- You can renew by mail or online only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address are not changing.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address when you visit in person.
- Kentucky licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older, so plan your renewal accordingly.
- The office accepts walk-ins but also takes appointments; calling ahead can reduce your wait time.
Documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires specific documents before the Division of Driver Licensing will issue or renew your license. You need one valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or previous Kentucky driver's license all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from your employer.
Third, you need proof of your current address in Lexington-Fayette County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address if you're moving to Kentucky.
If you're explore for your first Kentucky license and you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. Bring their ID as well.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive at the Main Street office, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. The wait time varies depending on the day and time — mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Saturdays. Once called, you'll go to a licensing examiner who will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your process fee.
If you're explore for your first license or your license has been suspended or revoked, you'll also take a written test on Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct to pass. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free on the Transportation Cabinet website.
If you're renewing and have no violations or restrictions, the process is faster — usually just document verification and a new photo. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and payment methods
A new Kentucky driver's license costs $20 if you're under 65, or $15 if you're 65 or older. A renewal costs the same amount. If you're adding an endorsement like a motorcycle or commercial license, there are additional fees that vary by endorsement type — the examiner will tell you the exact amount when you explore.
The Division of Driver Licensing office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to include a check or money order with your process.
Renewing before your license expires
Your Kentucky license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older. You can renew up to 180 days before your expiration date. Renewing early doesn't extend your license beyond the normal eight or four-year window — your new expiration date will be eight or four years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.
If you renew online or by mail, the process takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your process. If you go in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license is still valid for driving.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
You can get a replacement license at the Main Street office. Bring your identification and proof of address as you would for a renewal. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with the Lexington Police Department, though it's not required to get a replacement from the Transportation Cabinet.
A replacement license costs the same as a renewal — $20 for adults under 65, $15 for those 65 and older. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, your old license (if you still have it) or another form of ID will work temporarily.
Hours and contact information
The Division of Driver Licensing office at 200 East Main Street is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. You can call (859) 246-2500 to ask questions or request an appointment.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also maintains a website at transportation.ky.gov where you can check your license status, find information about endorsements, and access the online renewal portal. If you have questions about your specific situation — such as whether a medical condition will affect your license — calling the office is faster than visiting in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it's been expired for more than five years?
No. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses expired five years or less. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must visit the Main Street office in person and retake the written test on Kentucky traffic laws.
What if I moved to Lexington-Fayette County from out of state?
You must visit the office in person to exchange your out-of-state license for a Kentucky license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Lexington-Fayette address. You will not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid.
How long does it take to get my license after I explore?
If you explore in person, your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail or online, it takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your process. Your old license remains valid for driving until the new one arrives.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
The office accepts both walk-ins and appointments. You can call (859) 246-2500 to schedule an appointment, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by day and time of day.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another visit. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You have up to three attempts to pass before you must wait 30 days before trying again.