Good news!
If your KY driver’s license is about to expire, you can renew it through several channels.
Even better news, we’re going to give you the details for each channel, including all the steps and requirements.
With this, you won’t worry about the renewal process as you already know exactly what to do and how to do it.
So welcome to your complete guide to the Kentucky driver’s license renewal.
Let’s dive right in!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Kentucky
As we mentioned, you can renew your KY driver’s license through several channels. These are:
- Online
- By Mail
- In-person
Now, let’s get into the details.
How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver’s License Online
For obvious reasons, the fastest way to renew your license is online.
However, you’re only eligible to renew online if you meet the following requirements:
- You had no name changes (i.e. marriage, divorce, etc.)
- You had no address change
- You’re not renewing a commercial driver’s license
- You’re not applying for a REAL ID
- You are a US citizen
- Your license has not been expired for a year
- Your license validity will be the same as your previous license
- You are at least 21 years old
If you meet all the requirements above, you can follow these steps to renew online:
- Apply for license renewal.
- Follow the online prompts.
- Pay the license renewal fee using a credit or debit card:
- 4-year validity: $21.50
- 8-year validity: $43.00
NOTE: you also have to pay a card processing fee.
- Wait for 10-15 business days for your new license to be sent to you by mail.
And there you have it.
As easy and convenient as that.
How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver’s License By Mail
Another way to renew your driver’s license in Kentucky is by mail.
Before 2021, mail renewals were only available to those who were out of state or those who were part of the military.
However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, mail renewals are now allowed for anyone.
That said, you still need to meet the eligibility requirements:
- You had no name change
- You are not upgrading to a REAL ID
- You are choosing a 4-year validity license
- You are not renewing a commercial driver’s license
- You are a US citizen
- You are at least 21 years old
If so, here are the steps for mail driver’s license renewal:
- Print and fill up the driver’s license renewal form.
- If you have a change in home address, you need to attach proof of residency documents like utility bills, mortgage documents, or a lease contract.
- Pay the renewal fee of $21.50 (for 4-year validity) through cash, credit or debit card, cashier’s check, or personal check.
NOTE: cards have an additional processing fee.
- Place everything in a sealed envelope and send it to the following address:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Driver Licensing
200 Mero Street
Frankfort KY
40622
Email address: kytc.ddlwebservices@ky.gov
Phone: (502) 564-1257
- Your new driver’s license will be sent in 10-15 business days.
With this, you can avoid the hassle of going to a Driver Licensing Regional Office.
How to Renew Your Kentucky Driver’s License In Person
If you are not eligible for both online and mail renewal, then your last resort is to renew it in person.
But don’t worry, the process is still very easy.
Let’s look at the steps:
- Complete the driver’s license renewal form. You can also find this form at the office.
- Go to your licensing office and submit the following:
- Completed renewal form
- Proof of identity
- Social Security card and 2 proofs of Kentucky residency (if applying for a REAL ID)
- Name or address change (if applicable)
- Surrender your old driver’s license.
- Pay the renewal fee:
- 4-year validity: $21.50
- 8-year validity: $43.00
- Get a temporary license.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail in 10-15 business days.
Pretty easy, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to know more about driver’s license renewal in Kentucky, you can check out this FAQs section for additional information.
When does my Kentucky driver’s license expire?
If you are above 21 years old, the expiry date of your driver’s license is 30 days after your birthday. Now, it can either expire after 4 or 8 years — check your license for its validity lifespan.
If you are below 21 years old, your driver’s license will expire 90 days after your 21st birthday.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in Kentucky?
Not always. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. To be sure, you can check here.
Is there a grace period for an expired driver’s license in Kentucky?
No, the Kentucky government abolished the 90-day grace period in 2020. So you need to renew your driver’s license on time or else you will face a fine.
Can I drive while waiting for my license renewal in Kentucky?
If you’ve been given a temporary driver’s license, then yes, you can. This is what’s great about renewing in person.
However, if you drive without it or with an expired license, you will be penalized. You might also be imprisoned for 90 days.
What is a REAL ID?
You might have been hearing the REAL ID for quite some time now. But what is it exactly?
A REAL ID is an identification card that provides another layer of identification. The ID will be a scannable document that security agencies can check when traveling domestically or when entering a federal facility or a power plant.
Now, your driver’s license can be converted to a REAL ID, but you’re not required to do so.
If you’re renewing your license, it might be wise to convert it to a REAL ID so that you don’t have to apply for it separately.
Conclusion
And that’s how to renew a driver’s license in Kentucky.
The renewal process is very easy (yes, even the in-person option) — there’s no excuse to delay your license renewal.
Plus, now that you know what to do, it becomes even easier.
So go ahead and start renewing before it’s too late.
Remember, you no longer have a grace period.