Renewing Your License

When to Renew

There is a certain method to the expiration of your Kentucky driver license.

Drivers under age 21: If you're under the age of 21, your license will expire 90 days after you turn 21 years old.

Drivers over age 21: If you're over the age of 21, your license will expire 31 days after your birthday every four years. Also, you have the option of renewing your license up to six months before it expires.

Renewal Process

As it gets closer to your renewal date, you'll receive a notice in the mail at the most recent address on record at the Circuit Court Clerk's office and Division of Driver Licensing (DDL). (This is just one reason why it's so important to keep them up-to-date with any address changes.)

Note that unless you are military personnel, you must renew your license in person at your local Circuit Court Clerk's office. Military personnel have the option of renewing by mail.

The fee for renewal is $20 and you don't need to take anything with you other than the license you possess at the time.

Special Renewal Circumstances

Fortunately, if you miss your expiration date, you aren't charged a late fee; you'll simply be charged the same $20 fee. If you wait a year or more to renew your expired license, however, you'll be required to take the vision and written tests again.

Drivers who have had their licenses suspended for less than one year won't have to take any tests to reinstate their licenses; however, those who have had their licenses suspended for more than one year will be required to pass both the vision and written tests.

Drivers who have had their licenses suspended for five years or more will have to start the application process all over as a new driver, including retaking all tests.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. Check out our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.