Ky.gov

Renew, Replace, Update a Credential

  • Drivers
  • Renew, Replace, Update a Credential
Drivers

​​​​​​RENEW A CREDENTIAL​

  • A Driver's License or ID card may be renewed online, by mail or by visiting any Driver Licensing Regional office. Compare these options.

  • If the driver is under age 21, the license expires 90 days after the driver's 21st birthday.​

  • Age 21 and older, the license expires 31 days after the driver's birth date and may be renewed up to six months before the expiration date.

  • No testing is required for persons with expired credentials less than 5 (five) years. (See SB 124).

  • Any driver whose credential is expired for more than five (5) years must start over as a new driver.​​

  • ​​A Kentucky operator's license is valid for four (4) years or eight (8) years. (Eight-year credentials are only available for new standard licenses and REAL IDs. View Real ID Pricing.

REPLACE OR UPDATE A CREDENTIAL​​​​

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​​​When drivers physically lose their Driver's License, permit, or identification card, they will need to request a replacement credential by mail or by visiting any Driver Licensing Regional office.

​​1. ​​REQUEST REPLACEMENT BY MAIL:​

  • Submit the application and payment by mail or dropbox​ to the address below.​
    ​Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
    Division of Driver Licensing​​
    Attn​: Driver Education​​
    200 Mero Street
    Frankfort, KY 40622    ​
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2. REQUEST REPLACEMENT AT A REGIONAL OFFICE​

  • ​​Click here​ to schedule an appointment for a replacement credential at any Driver Licensing Regional office.​
  • No documentation is required to request a duplicate/replacement if the information on the current credential is up to date. 
  • If the information listed on the current credential (name/address) is not up to date, documentation will be required. 
  • ​Anytime you move to a new address location, you must apply for a duplicate license within ten days.
  • Individuals may apply for a duplicate with your updated address listed by mail or in person at any Driver Licensing Regional office.
  • ​The cost of a duplicate is $15.00 ​

1. ​​REQUEST REPLACEMENT BY MAIL:​

  • Submit the application and payment by mail or dropbox to the address below.​
    Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
    Division of Driver Licensing​
    Attn​: Driver Education​​
    200 Mero Street
    Frankfort, KY 40622​
CDL holders, permit holders and Non-US citizens will need to visit a Driver Licensing Regional office to update the address on their credential.​
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2. REQUEST REPLACEMENT AT A REGIONAL OFFICE​

  • ​​Click here​ to schedule an appointment for a replacement credential at any Driver Licensing Regional office.​
  • Bring one proof of residency with you to your appointment.  

  • ​​Anytime you change your name, you must apply for a replacement license within ten days.
  • The cost of a duplicate is $15.00 
  • One (1) Proof of a name change is required. (Birth Certificate, Name Change Court Order, Marriage License, Divorce Decree, or other legal documents).
  • A Social Security card is not acceptable as proof of name change. However, you must provide proof of a new Social Security card with your new name to prove you have updated your name with the Social Security Administration.
​1. ​​REQUEST REPLACEMENT BY MAIL:​

  • Submit the application and payment by mail or dropbox to the address below.​
    Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
    Division of Driver Licensing​
    Attn​: Driver Education​​
    200 Mero Street
    Frankfort, KY 40622​
CDL holders, permit holders and Non-US citizens will need to visit a Driver Licensing Regional office to update the name on their credential.​
​​​​​​​​​
2. REQUEST REPLACEMENT AT A REGIONAL OFFICE​

  • ​​Click here​ to schedule an appointment for a replacement credential at any Driver Licensing Regional office.​
  • Bring one proof of name change with you to your appointment as well as your updated Social Security card.

    ​Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
    Division of Driver Licensing​
    Attn​: Driver Education​
    200 Mero Street
    Frankfort, KY 40622

  • ​​​​​If a Kentucky resident has been serving in the United States military and has allowed their operator's license to expire, they shall, within 90 days of returning to the Commonwealth, be permitted to renew their license without having to take a written test or road test.

  • A Kentucky resident serving in the United States military who does not renew their expired license within 90 days of returning to the Commonwealth shall be required to comply with all procedures of renewing a license that has expired.


Requests for out-of-state mailing and circumstances allowing customers to receive their​ license at an alternate out-of-state address are listed below. Proof of address is required for all requests. **This list may be updated in the future to support the needs of our applicants.

  • SNOWBIRDS (Temporarily Away): Must show proof of address for locations where they reside during winter months.

  • FEMA (Or other disaster or Government Worker): Must show proof of address for locations where they reside during disasters or deployments.

  • COLLEGE STUDENTS: Must show proof of address for locations where they reside during the academic year.

  • MEDICAL DOCTORS AND NURSES: Must show proof of address for locations where they reside when working out of state.

  • MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DEPENDENTS: Please refer to the Military Personnel section.
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If you haven’t received your credential after 25 business days, please email KYTC.RDLreturns@ky.gov.​
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​​All credentials are mailed out to the customer. It typically takes 10-15 business days​ for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver a credential. If you have not received your credential in 30 days, please contact us. 

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​POPUP DRIVER LICENSING PROGRAM​

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is taking driver licensing to the next level by offering modern, secure services and more options to handle your licensing needs than ever before.

  • This traveling service brings all the services offered in Driver Licensing Regional Offices to local communities that don't have a regional office.

  • ​Experience all the benefits of a Driver Licensing Regional Office at a Popup Event, like:

    • ​Upgrade to a REAL ID license

    • Request an 8-year license if you are due to renew

    • Update your name or address

    • Renew your CDL

    • Popup events are only for residents of the county hosting the event.

SCHEDULE A POPUP APPOINTMENT​