Kentucky drivers face a significant change in the license renewal process beginning January 1, 2025. A vision screening is now required for all driver’s license renewals. This new mandate ensures that every driver meets the necessary visual standards to operate a vehicle safely on Kentucky roads.
The vision test can be completed by a credentialed medical specialist or vision specialist, and the signed certification form (TC 94-202) must be submitted along with the renewal application.
Online Renewal Still Available but with Conditions
Kentucky continues to support online renewal services, allowing drivers to renew their licenses up to six months before expiration or within one year after expiration. However, with the new vision screening mandate, drivers must upload the completed vision certification form to qualify for online renewal. Those who do not meet this condition will need to visit a regional driver licensing office for in-person renewal.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
The vision screening requirement applies to virtually all drivers renewing standard driver’s licenses, motorcycle licenses, combination driver/motorcycle licenses, or ID cards. There are some exceptions:
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and permits cannot be renewed online and require in-person renewal.
Voter and Homeless ID card renewals must be done in person.
Drivers with under-21 vertical format licenses can only renew online after turning 21.
Active-duty military personnel have a separate mail-in renewal form.
The REAL ID Impact in 2025
Another important update to remember is the upcoming enforcement of the REAL ID Act. Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years or older must present a REAL ID or another federally approved identification form to fly domestically, enter military bases, or access certain federal buildings.
Kentuckians wanting a REAL ID will need to visit a driver licensing regional office in person to apply or upgrade their current credential. Those without a REAL ID will still be able to renew or obtain a standard license but will face federal travel restrictions without the upgraded ID.
Payment and Processing Details
When renewing online, Kentucky accepts payments via Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express (debit or credit cards). A processing fee applies: 1.5% for debit cards and 2.75% for credit cards. Importantly, the application fee is only charged if the renewal is approved, and no refunds are issued if the application is submitted but then canceled or rejected.
Tips for Smooth License Renewal
Schedule your vision screening early to meet the new requirement.
Double-check personal details on your current license (name, address, license class) to avoid processing delays.
If any information has changed, or you’re upgrading to a REAL ID, plan to visit a regional office.
Utilize the newly enhanced “Skip the Line” options that Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet is rolling out to reduce wait times.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Kentucky’s driver license renewal overhaul in 2025 emphasizes vision safety and federal compliance with REAL ID mandates. Drivers need to proactively understand the new vision test requirement and take advantage of online renewals where possible. By staying informed and preparing the necessary documentation, Kentucky motorists can ensure a hassle-free renewal process and continue driving legally and safely without interruption.
Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet website and regional offices provide detailed guidance and resources to help drivers meet these updated requirements.
Sources
[1] https://drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Pages/Getting-Started.aspx
[2] https://dlrenewal.ky.gov
[3] https://www.hughesandcoleman.com/changes-in-kentucky-driving-laws-2025/
[4] https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=DepartmentofTransportation&prId=510
[5] https://driving-tests.org/academy/renew/kentucky
