Kentucky driver license and ID card: first license, renewal, replacement and REAL ID

How to get a first Kentucky driver's license, transfer an out-of-state license, renew or replace a license through myDrive, by mail or in person, and get a REAL ID or state ID card.

Guide · Kentucky · REAL ID · Driver licenses · Renewals · ID cards · updated October 29, 2026

Kentucky driver's licenses, learner's permits and ID cards are issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing, at its Driver Licensing Regional Offices. The written, vision and road tests for a first license are scheduled and given by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). Many renewals, replacements and address changes can be done online through KYTC's myDrive portal or by mail. This guide covers each step. For booking and office visits, see Visiting a Kentucky driver licensing office.

Your first license

KYTC says first-time drivers must complete testing before they can get a Kentucky license. The steps depend on your age.

Age 21 and over

1. Schedule a written and vision test with the Kentucky State Police.
2. After you pass, visit a regional office to receive your learner's permit. KYTC lists the permit at $15.00 ($18.00 for a REAL ID permit).
3. Hold the permit for at least 30 days. A licensed driver aged 21 or older must sit in the passenger seat while you drive.
4. Schedule a road skills test with KSP. A licensed driver aged 21 or older must come with you. The test vehicle must be registered and insured.
5. After you pass, visit a regional office to receive your license.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next available day. After a failed road test, you must wait seven days. KYTC has a separate page for ages 18–20.

Under 18: Graduated Driver Licensing

Drivers who get their first permit at 15 to 17 go through three phases: learner's permit, intermediate license, then a full license.

• Permit: you must be at least 15 to take the KSP written and vision tests, and you need an 80% score to pass the written test. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application and come with you. Bring the TC 94-200 High School Compliance Verification Form from your school.
• Practice: log at least 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night. Hold the permit for at least 180 days and be at least 16 before the road test.
• Intermediate license: issued after you pass the KSP road test.
• Full license: complete the required 4-hour driver education course and hold the intermediate license for at least 180 days. You must also be at least 17. A parent or guardian must come to the office with you.

For every phase, a temporary paper credential is issued until the card arrives by mail.

Moving to Kentucky

KYTC says new residents must get a Kentucky credential within 30 days of establishing residency. You must transfer your license in person at a regional office. Bring:

• Proof of legal presence, such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport
• Your Social Security card
• Proof of Kentucky residency dated less than one year (two for a REAL ID)
• Your out-of-state credential

No testing is needed if your out-of-state license is valid or expired less than one year. If it expired more than a year ago, bring a certified Driver History Record or clearance letter dated within the last 30 days. You will then also take the written test and a vision screening. KYTC also says college students enrolled in Kentucky may drive with a valid out-of-state license and their student ID.

Renewing

KYTC says licenses and permits can be renewed up to six months before they expire. Eligible licenses can be renewed three ways:

• Online through a verified myDrive account. You can choose a 4-year or 8-year license.
• By mail with form TC 94-192.
• In person at a regional office.

A vision screening is required before every renewal. It is free at a regional office. You can also upload or attach a TC 94-202 form signed by a vision specialist or a KYTC-credentialed medical provider within the past 12 months. Some drivers are exempt, including active CDL holders.

KYTC lists renewal fees of $21.50 for a 4-year or $43.00 for an 8-year standard license. A REAL ID license costs $24.00 for 4 years or $48.00 for 8 years.

Key limits:

• You cannot upgrade to REAL ID online or by mail; that must be done in person.
• If you are under 21, your license expires 90 days after your 21st birthday and cannot be renewed before that birthday.
• No retesting is needed if your license expired less than five years ago. After more than five years, you must start over as a new driver with a learner's permit.

Kentucky residents in the military who are stationed outside the state can renew a Class D license by mail or email using form TC 94-28.

Replacing a lost license or updating details

• Replacement: the fee is $15.00. Eligible customers can request one through myDrive, by mail or in person. No documents are needed if everything on your card is still correct.
• Address change: KYTC says you must update your address within 10 days of moving. You can do it through myDrive, by mail or in person, with one proof of address. The fee is $15.00. KYTC suggests updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service first. See also updating your DMV address after a move.
• Name change: must be done in person, after you update your name with the Social Security Administration. Bring your updated Social Security card and a legal name change document. The fee is $15.00.

Permanent cards typically arrive by mail within 10–15 business days, according to KYTC.

REAL ID

KYTC says a first-time Kentucky REAL ID must be applied for in person, because your identity documents must be reviewed. Bring:

1. One original or certified proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or valid U.S. passport. Hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted.
2. One proof of Social Security number showing the full number. A Social Security card is required for a first credential or an out-of-state transfer.
3. Two proofs of Kentucky residency, dated within the last year where applicable. Forwarded mail cannot be used.
4. Proof of any name change, such as a certified marriage certificate. A marriage license is not accepted.

KYTC's IDocument Guide quiz gives you a personalized list. For the federal background, see REAL ID explained and how to tell if a license is REAL ID.

State ID cards

ID cards are applied for in person at any regional office. Applicants must be 15 or older, and a parent or guardian must be present if the applicant is under 18. Bring a birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of residency.

KYTC lists a standard ID at $11.50 for 4 years or $23.00 for 8 years. A REAL ID card costs $14.00 or $28.00.

You cannot hold both an ID card and a valid Kentucky permit or license. Free voter ID cards and homeless ID cards are available for eligible applicants. ID cards can be renewed or replaced online, by mail or in person.