A standard Kentucky driver’s license costs $43 for an eight-year term or $21.50 for four years. The REAL ID version runs $48 for eight years or $24 for four. Drivers under 21 pay less because their license expires shortly after their 21st birthday, and state ID cards cost roughly half the price of a license. A few extra charges, like card processing surcharges and a non-citizen application fee, can push the total higher.
Driver’s License Prices
Kentucky issues driver’s licenses in standard and REAL ID versions, each available in four-year or eight-year terms. Eight years is the default; the four-year price is exactly half.
- Standard license, 8-year: $43
- Standard license, 4-year: $21.50
- REAL ID license, 8-year: $48
- REAL ID license, 4-year: $24
Drivers under 21 pay a reduced rate because the license expires 90 days after their 21st birthday rather than running the full term. That comes to $15 for a standard license and $18 for a REAL ID.1Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. KRS 186.531 Fees for Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards
A standard license still works for driving and everyday identification, but since May 7, 2025, only a REAL ID credential (or another accepted federal document like a passport) will get you through airport security for domestic flights or into certain federal facilities.2Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID If you already carry a standard credential with at least six months left before expiration, you can upgrade to REAL ID mid-cycle for $15 rather than waiting to renew.3DRIVE. Pricing
State ID Card Prices
Kentucky’s personal identification card is for residents who need official ID but don’t drive. The pricing structure mirrors the license schedule.
- Standard ID, 8-year: $23
- Standard ID, 4-year: $11.50
- REAL ID card, 8-year: $28
- REAL ID card, 4-year: $14
Replacement or corrected cards cost $15 across the board.1Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. KRS 186.531 Fees for Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards
When the ID Card Is Free
Kentucky waives the fee entirely for a standard personal identification card if you meet two conditions: you don’t hold a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, and you are at least 18 years old on or before the next regular election. The waiver applies to first issuance, renewals, and duplicates, but only to the standard card, not the REAL ID version. Residents with no fixed address can also get a standard ID at no cost.1Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. KRS 186.531 Fees for Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards
Permits and Motorcycle Credentials
Instruction permits and motorcycle credentials have their own prices. Each comes in a standard and REAL ID version, and every four-year option costs half the eight-year price.
- Motor vehicle instruction permit, 3-year: $15 standard / $18 REAL ID
- Motorcycle instruction permit, 1-year: $15 standard / $18 REAL ID
- Motorcycle-only license, 8-year: $43 standard / $48 REAL ID
- Combination vehicle and motorcycle license, 8-year: $53 standard / $58 REAL ID
Commercial driver’s license fees depend on the CDL class and endorsement combinations, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet publishes those separately.1Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. KRS 186.531 Fees for Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards
Extra Charges to Expect
The sticker price isn’t always the final total. A few other fees can apply.
Card payment surcharge. Kentucky adds 1.5% on debit card payments and 2.75% on credit card payments. Cash, check, or money order avoids the surcharge.4Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Drivers License and ID Card Online Renewal
Non-citizen application fee. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents pay an additional $30 on top of the credential fee for an initial or renewal license, permit, or ID card.1Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. KRS 186.531 Fees for Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards
Reinstatement fee. If your license was revoked or suspended, you owe a $40 reinstatement fee in addition to the regular license price when you reapply.1Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. KRS 186.531 Fees for Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards
Replacement fee. A lost, stolen, or damaged credential costs $15 to replace regardless of type.3DRIVE. Pricing
Renewal Costs
Renewal fees match the original issuance fees above. You can renew up to six months before expiration, and a name or address change at renewal doesn’t cost extra beyond the renewal fee itself, though you’ll need documentation for the change.5Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Renew, Replace, Update a Credential
An expired license can still be renewed at the regular price within five years of the expiration date. After five years, Kentucky treats you as a new driver and requires written, vision, and road exams before issuing a credential.5Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Renew, Replace, Update a Credential
Moving to Kentucky With an Out-of-State License
Transferring a valid out-of-state license costs the applicable Kentucky credential fee, with no written or road test required. If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than a year, you’ll need a certified driving history or clearance letter from that state and must pass written and vision exams before Kentucky will issue a credential, though the fee itself is unchanged.6Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. New To Kentucky