kentucky drivers license renewal - KY

Renew your Kentucky Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your KY drivers license renewal. There are two different options in which to renew your license in Kentucky. They are the following: By Mail or personally at a Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Every driver has the option of showing up in person to any circuit court clerk's office. The option of renewing via mail is only valid if you meet all of the required conditions, which we will clearly describe below. Your other alternative is to use our site and download your checklist. We’ll supply you with all of the necessary forms, rules, and steps. Please continue reading below to get started with your Kentucky license renewal.

Kentucky Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

All Kentucky Class D operator licenses are valid for a total of  four (4) years. The expiration date of your license varies depending on your age. If you are either twenty one (21) or over twenty one years of age, your license will expire thirty one (31) days after your birthday.  If you are younger than twenty one (21) years of age,  your license will expire exactly ninety (90) days after your turn 21.

Finally, please remember that you must carry your license on you, at all times while driving. 

Renewal Notice

You will receive a renewal notice via mail before the expiration of your drivers license. The KY Transportation Cabinet will mail the renewal notice to the address on file. If you have moved to a new address please update your address with the Transportation Cabinet. Note: It is always your responsibility to renew on time even though you did not receive a notice.

When To Renew

It’s best if you renew your driver’s license on time. If you would like to prepare before its expiration date, Kentucky will allow you to renew your license six (6) months before it expires, as long as you are older than twenty one (21) years of age.

Expired License

If your license is currently expired, do not drive. You will be ticketed for driving with an expired license. Driving without a valid license is against the law. If your license has been expired for over one (1) year, you will need to retake the Eye Exam and Written Test. A suspended license will be subject to pay a $40.00 fee in order to get your license reinstated. 

Renew Kentucky Drivers License Online

The Kentucky department of motor vehicles does not allow drivers to renew online at this moment.

Kentucky Drivers License Renew by Mail

Not everyone can renew their license by mail. You may ONLY use the renew by mail option if you are currently in the military AND are currently out of state. If you are not in the military your only option is to go in person to your nearest circuit court clerk's office.

Requirements to Renew By Mail 

• You must currently be enlisted in the military outside of the state of Kentucky.
• By law, if you allow your license to expire while on active duty away from your home state of Kentucky, you will be given ninety (90) days (from return date) to renew your drivers license. However, if you do not renew your license in these 90 days, you will need to renew as all other drivers with expired licenses. This means that you will have to retake both the Written and Driving tests. 

Steps for Out of State Renewal By Mail - Military drivers

Your first step is to contact your Kentucky county's circuit clerk office at the following address, email or phone number:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Driver Licensing
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622

Phone: (502) 564-1257
Email: kytc.ddlwebservices@ky.gov

Renew Kentucky Drivers License In Person

This is the ONLY option available for all drivers, except drivers who are serving in the military and are current out of state. 

1. Please locate your closest circuit court clerk's office and show up in person for your Kentucky license renewal.
2. Bring money to pay for the $20.00 renewal fee.

Auto Insurance

Car insurance is a requirement by law in Kentucky. The Transportation Cabinet has been sending out notices to drivers without car insurance. If you are caught without insurance your car registration will be canceled. Please visit our auto insurance guide for a comparison of rates.