Moving to Kentucky, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain when a new resident must get a Kentucky license.
• You can tell whether you will need to test when transferring a license.
• You can gather the documents for a transfer or a REAL ID.
• You can work out when your Kentucky license expires and when to renew.
• You can update your address or name on time.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must get a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residence.
• If your out-of-state license is valid or expired less than one year, you will not need to test.
• If it expired more than one year ago, you need a certified driver history record or clearance letter and must pass the written and vision tests.
• Teens transferring a permit must be at least 15 and, if under 18, bring a School Compliance Verification Form.
• A REAL ID needs two proofs of Kentucky residency; non-U.S. citizens who are not permanent residents cannot get one.
• You must get a duplicate license within 10 days of changing your address or name.

Transferring from another state

Bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of legal presence such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport, your Social Security card, one proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID) and proof of any name change. If you lost your out-of-state license but it has not been expired for more than a year, get a driver history record or clearance letter from your previous state.

Teen permit holders must transfer to a Kentucky permit first. If your out-of-state test scores are not submitted, you will take the Kentucky road test. College students who are U.S. citizens enrolled at a Kentucky school may keep driving on their home-state license if they carry their student ID.

Coming from another country

Visitors may drive on a valid foreign license with an International Driving Permit for up to one year from entry, if their country is part of the foreign license reciprocity arrangement. Residents still need a Kentucky license within 30 days. What you must pass depends on your status and country: some applicants take only the written and vision tests, while others must also pass the road test and start with a permit. Check your situation with KYTC before booking with KSP.

Renewing and keeping it current

• Drivers under 21: the license expires 90 days after the 21st birthday.
• Drivers 21 and older: the license expires 31 days after the birthday and can be renewed up to six months early.
• Licenses are issued for four or eight years; eight-year credentials are available for new standard licenses and REAL IDs.
• No testing is needed if your license expired less than five years ago; after five years you start again as a new driver.
• Kentucky residents serving in the military outside the state may renew a Class D license by mail.
• Lost license: request a replacement by mail or at any Regional Office.

Common mistakes

• Waiting months after moving before applying. The limit is 30 days.
• Bringing one proof of residency when you want a REAL ID. You need two.
• Letting a license sit expired for more than five years, which means retesting from the start.
• Changing your name with Social Security after your license visit. Update Social Security first.

Test yourself: Moving to Kentucky, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Kentucky 60 Hour Practice Driving Log
• Kentucky Bioptic Driving Program
• Kentucky Drivers Ed for Teens