In Kentucky, you can renew your driver’s license in person, online, or by mail. A standard Kentucky license four-year renewal is $21.50, an eight-year REAL ID is $48, and both options arrive by mail in 10-15 business days.

Before you renew, consider whether you want to switch from a standard license to a REAL ID, which will operate like a domestic passport starting May 2023.

You can renew your Kentucky license or ID card up to six months in advance of the expiry date. If you prefer the rush of doing things last minute, be aware Kentucky has done away with extensions and 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.

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When to renew your driver’s license in Kentucky

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

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 maybe not when it means proving to a DMV examiner you know how to use a turn signal.

MORE:

Kentucky car insurance laws—all you need to know

How to renew your driver’s license in Kentucky

Renew your license in person

You will need to renew your license in person if:

You have changed your name or license class

You want to change from a standard license to a REAL ID

You are renewing your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

You are not a U.S. citizen

You are 20 years old or under

Kentucky plans to move all driver licensing services to new Driver Licensing Regional Offices by end of June 2022. While the Kentucky State Police will continue to manage all written and road testing, the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk will no longer be providing licensing services.

Depending on your county, you may be able to

schedule an appointment online

. While walk-ins are welcome, there’s no guarantee how long your wait time will be if you don’t have an appointment.

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.

If you are renewing your standard license or ID, you will simply need to surrender your current credential. However, if you plan to move from a standard license to a REAL ID, you will need to bring the following documentation:

Proof of identity, such as birth certificate, citizenship documents, or passport

Proof of social security number, such as social security card or W-2 statement

Two forms of proof of residency, such as recent utility bill or insurance policy

Proof of any legal identity changes, such as legal name or gender

Renew your license online

You can renew your license online if all information on your current license or ID is still accurate. If you have moved or your license was lost or stolen, you can renew in person or by mail.

Renewing online means you cannot change from a standard license to a REAL ID—this change must be done in person.

Renew your license by mail or email

Only standard four-year license renewals can be done by email or snail mail, though you can replace a lost or stolen license or update your address (neither of which you can currently do online). To apply, complete the

Driver License/ID Card Renewal form

and send to one of the following addresses:

Email:

KYTC.DDLLicenseRenewal@ky.gov

Mail:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Division of Driver Licensing

200 Mero Street

Frankfort KY

40622

If you are an active military personnel or their dependent, you can

renew your Class D license using this form

MORE: Kentucky electric vehicle incentives

How long does it take to renew a Kentucky driver’s license?

You will receive your 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.

MORE: What is a sheriff’s inspection form in Kentucky?

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What happens if your driver’s license expires in Kentucky?

If you notice your license is expired, don’t hesitate to renew it immediately. Once it has been expired for a year, you will need to re-do your eye exam and written test—and after five years, you have to start from scratch.

Driving without a valid license is against the law and you can be fined up to $250 and wind up in jail if you’re caught.

Do I have to make an appointment to renew my license in Kentucky?

No. Appointments are not required and walk-ins are welcome. Midweek mornings are the least busy, and getting there before lunch breaks and the lunch rush helps, too.

That said, booking an appointment is highly recommended and may save you lots of time. Even easier: renew your Kentucky license online up to six months before it expires.

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