How to Renew Your Driver's License in Kentucky

A standard four-year license renewal costs $21.50 to $48 and you can do it online, in person, or by mail in most cases.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Edited by Bellina Gaskey
background
You can renew your driver’s license in Kentucky in person, online, or by mail for a standard fee of $21.50 or REAL ID fee of $48.
  • You can renew your license up to six months ahead of its expiration date.
  • Standard four-year license renewals cost $21.50 while eight-year REAL ID licenses are $48.
  • You’ll receive your new license in the mail in 10-15 business days.
  • In some situations, you must renew your license in person.

You can renew your KY driver’s license online, in person, or by mail

If all the information on your current license or ID is still accurate, you can renew your license online. If you have moved or your license was lost or stolen, you can do a driver’s license renewal in person or by mail. 
License renewals cost $21.50 for standard four-year licenses and $48 for eight-year REAL IDs.

To renew online…

  • Gather your documentation to do an
    online renewal
  • Apply and pay for your new license using the online system

To renew by mail (or email)...

You can do the following by mail or email:
  • Renew standard four-year licenses 
  • Replace a lost or stolen license
  • Report an address change

To renew in person…

Visit a driver licensing regional office to renew your license in person.
Get your license: When you renew at a regional office, you will be issued a temporary license immediately and your permanent card will be sent in the mail.
Surrender your old license: If you are renewing your standard license or ID, you will simply need to surrender your current credential. 
You must renew your license in person if any of the following apply:
  • You have changed your name or license class
  • You want to change from a standard license to a REAL ID identification card
  • You are renewing your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • You are not a U.S. citizen
  • You are 20 years old or under
You will need to bring additional proof documents if you plan to move from a standard license to a REAL ID:
  • Proof of identity: Birth certificate, citizenship documents, or passport
  • Proof of social security number: Social security card or W-2 statement
  • Proof of residency: Two forms, such as a recent utility bill or insurance policy
  • Proof of any legal identity changes: Name change or gender change
Depending on your county, you may be able to
schedule an appointment ahead of time
at drive.ky.gov. While walk-ins are welcome, there’s no guarantee how long the wait will be for licensing services.
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When to renew your driver’s license in Kentucky

Duration: Your initial Kentucky driver’s license is good for eight years the first time. After that, you’ll need to renew it every four years. 
Expiration: The expiry date is 31 days following your birthday (unless you’re under 21, in which case it is 90 days). 

There are no grace periods for expired licenses

 If you’re found driving with an expired license, you could face a fine of up to $250 or up to 90 days in jail.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to complete a new written test and vision test. 
After five years of expiry, you’ll be expected to start all over as a new driver. New beginnings can be nice—but not when it means proving to a DMV examiner that you know how to use a turn signal.
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You’ll receive your license in 10-15 business days

Kentuckians will receive their new license by mail within 10-15 business days. When renewing your license at a regional office, you will be issued a temporary license to use until your permanent card reaches your mailbox.
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