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.
or mail to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
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
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.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
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.
is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage you’re paying for. Thanks to Jerry, I’m paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car!” —Martin H.