Option now open to renew driver’s, motorcycle licenses online

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has began a new service that will allow for online renewal of driver’s and motorcycle licenses.

“This is a dramatic step forward for customer convenience – the ability to go online to renew your driving credential and save yourself a trip to a licensing office if you don’t otherwise require in-person service,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Modernizing state services puts Kentuckians in the driver’s seat to choose how they want to be served and make a Better Kentucky.”

This new option comes from the phased transfer of licensing services to KYTC regional offices from local Offices of the Circuit Court Clerks. The transition is mandatory for all counties by June 30, 2022. As of now, 20 already have done so.

“We’re taking driver licensing to a new level in Kentucky,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Greater efficiency, greater security and more choices.”

The service is being administered through a network of Driver Licensing Regional Offices located statewide. Currently, 18 offices are operating with more planned to open.

Online renewal is an option for those who hold standard-issue or REAL ID licenses with credentials that will expire within six months, or have been expired for less than a year, and want to keep the same card version as their current license. The name and address must be the same as what is listed on the applicant’s current credentials.

Online renewal is available at https://dlrenewal.ky.gov.

The online renewal option does not apply to:

• Kentuckians requesting a license replacement (lost/stolen cards)
• Kentuckians upgrading from standard-issue license to a REAL ID
• Kentuckians upgrading from four-year to eight-year expiration
• Those needing a license with changed name or address
• Commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)

Those wanting a replacement license or one that shows a change of name or address must do so in person. This service can be done at any Driver Licensing Regional Office, or Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the customer’s county of residence, provided the clerk has not yet transferred licensing services. Check this website for a list of counties that have transferred services to regional offices.

REAL ID initial applications must be made in person and can only be done at a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office in order to verify documentation. Kentuckians who already have a REAL ID may renew it online when it is due to renew.

Regional Offices currently are operating in Bowling Green, Burlington, Catlettsburg, Columbia, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Jackson, Lexington, Louisville/Bowman Field, Louisville/Dixie Highway, Louisville/Hurstbourne, Madisonville, Morehead, Owensboro, Paducah, Prestonsburg, Richmond and Somerset. The Louisville/Bowman Field office is open by appointment only.