Ky.gov

Renew, Replace, Update a Credential

  • Drivers
  • Renew, Replace, Update a Credential
Drivers

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​HOW TO RENEW A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR ID CARD

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

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  • Learner's Permit Renewal: Permits can be renewed in person for $15.00 or $18.00 (for REAL ID). There is no limit on the number of times a permit can be ​renewed.​​​

  • Documentation: No additional documents are required if your information is up-to-date on your expiring credential.

  • License Expiration:
    • If you're under 21, your credential expires 90 days after your 21st birthday.
    • If you're 21 or older, your credential expires 31 days after your birth date and can be renewed up to six months before it expires.

  • Expired Licenses:
    • No testing is required if your license expired within the past 5 years.
    • If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you’ll need to go through the licensing process as a new driver.

  • License Validity: Kentucky licenses are valid for either 4 or 8 years. (Eight-year licenses are available for new standard licenses and REAL IDs).

  • Renewing with Updates: If you need to update your name or address, you’ll only pay the renewal fee. Ensure to bring the required documentation for the change.

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​​​Please be aware that drive.ky.gov is the ONLY official website for online driver's license renewals in Kentucky. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees and ask for your personal information. 

​REPLACE OR UPDATE A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR ID CARD
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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
  • Credentials will not be sent to forwarded locations​
  • Proof of new residency is required 

1. ​​REQUEST REPLACEMENT BY MAIL:​

  • Submit the application, proof of residency 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 (SSNAP form will be accepted as long as it has been over 48 hours since approval). DO NOT SEND IN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.​
​1. ​​REQUEST REPLACEMENT BY MAIL:​

  • Submit the application, proof of name change document and payment by mail or dropbox to the address below.​ DO NOT SEND IN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.​
    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.​
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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 name change with you to your appointment as well as your updated Social Security card.

​MILITARY PERSONNEL STATIONED OUTSIDE KENTUCKY
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    ​Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
    Division of Driver Licensing​
    Attn​: Driver Education​
    200 Mero Street
    Frankfort, KY 40622

MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE RETURNED TO KENTUCKY

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

  • ​Prior to expiration or within 90 days of returning to the Commonwealth, military personnel are permitted to renew their license without having to take the written or road test by visiting a regional office or registering for a POPUP event​.

  • 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 without regional offices.
  • ​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.
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SCHEDULE A POPUP APPOINTMENT​​
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RETURN​ING LOST CREDENTIALS TO THE KY TRANSPORTATION CABINET

​If you find someone else’s driver's license or ID card, you can help by sending it back by mail to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at this address:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Department of Vehicle Regulation

Division of Driver's Licensing

200 Mero Street

Frankfort, KY 40622​


This helps to keep information safe and makes sure the ID gets back to the right person.
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