Kentucky License Renewal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your local Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk oversees the license renewal process.
The license expiration depends on your age group:
- 21 and older: 30 days after your birthday
- 21 and under: 90 after your 21st birthday
You will have 6 months before and 1 year after expiration to do the renewal. Any time beyond this renewal window can result in fines and penalties.
You can only renew your Kentucky driver’s license in person at a county clerk’s office.
The online and mail-in options are reserved for active military members and out-of-state residents. This guide shares the hassle-free way you’ll complete a license renewal – let’s begin.
How to Renew Your KY Driver’s License
Renewing your license is incredibly quick and easy in the state of Kentucky.
The state has very few restrictions and requirements besides typical items like if your license is lost, stolen, damaged, or suspended. You can use your time at the clerk’s office to change and address and other DMV-related needs on your to-do list.
Here is what you’ll do:
- Locate your nearest county clerk’s office
- Show your KY driver’s license
- Take a vision and/or written test if applicable:
- If your license has been expired for more than 1 year
- Pay the $20 class D operational license renewal fee
- Extra: $10 for a name or address change if needed
That’s it!
Kentucky has one of the easiest license renewal processes in the U.S. This process will soon change by 2020 with the introduction of REAL ID. Yet, all that’s required are a few extra personal documents identifying your citizenship and KY residency.
The mail-in renewal is about the same with military and out-of-state drivers needing to contact the county clerk for an application and instructions to file.
Find a Kentucky License Office
Do you have questions about renewing your KY license or other inquiries you need answering about driving in Kentucky? Browse more KY DMV topics or use our KY DMV Directory to find an office near you!
