How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Kentucky

Moving within Kentucky means updating your address with the state so your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and official notices stay accurate. A Kentucky DMV change of address is fairly straightforward once you know which office handles what and which options you have.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the “DMV” functions are split between two main offices:

• Driver’s licenses and state IDs are handled by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) through Driver Licensing Regional Offices.
• Vehicle registration and titles are handled by your local County Clerk’s Office.

That means:

• You usually have to update your license/ID address and your vehicle registration address separately.
• Going to a County Clerk’s office to change your address will not update your driver’s license, and updating your license with a KYTC regional office will not automatically change the address on your registration or title.

In Kentucky, this split can surprise people moving from states with a single DMV agency, so it helps to plan two tasks:

1. Update your Kentucky driver’s license or ID address (KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office or online, if eligible).
2. Update your Kentucky vehicle registration and title address (your county clerk in the county where you now live).

Depending on your county in Kentucky, there may be multiple clerk locations or specific hours for motor vehicle services, so always check your specific county’s website or call ahead before you go.

Why Updating Your DMV Address Matters in Kentucky

Keeping your address current is about more than just having the right information on your card.

In Kentucky, this is typically handled to ensure:

• License accuracy and identification
  Law enforcement, banks, and other agencies often use your license or ID as your primary proof of identity. An outdated address can cause confusion or additional questions.

• Vehicle registration and title records
  Your registration and title determine where your vehicle is legally based and where property taxes and registration notices are sent. Many drivers in Kentucky find that failing to update their registration address leads to missed tax bills or renewal notices.

• Official notices and reminders
  Notices about:

  • License or registration renewals
  • Possible suspensions
  • Insurance verification issues
  • Toll or citation notices
    are typically mailed to the address on record. If you move and do not update your records, you might never receive important mail.

• Local tax and jurisdiction issues
  Depending on your county in Kentucky, local motor vehicle taxes or fees may be tied to where your vehicle is garaged. Having the wrong county or city listed can create billing issues or questions from your new county.

Updating your address promptly can reduce the risk of:

• Lapsed registration or insurance issues because you missed a renewal notice
• Delays when you need to replace or renew your license
• Confusion about where your vehicle is taxed or registered

What You’ll Need for a Kentucky DMV Change of Address

Exact requirements can vary by office and by the type of change (license vs registration), but here are the items you will commonly need in Kentucky.

Common Information and Documents

For driver’s license or ID address changes (KYTC):

• Your current Kentucky driver’s license or state ID
• Your new residential address (no P.O. box for the physical address on a license)
• Proof of your new Kentucky address, such as:
  • A recent utility bill
  • A lease or mortgage statement
  • A bank or credit card statement
• Possibly proof of identity if your license is expiring or being reissued (for example, birth certificate or passport), depending on the service you are requesting

For vehicle registration and title address changes (County Clerk):

• Current Kentucky vehicle registration or renewal notice
• Vehicle information, such as:
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Your new Kentucky address
• Proof of Kentucky residency in your new county, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Lease or deed
  • Other county-accepted documents

In many Kentucky counties, clerks will accept multiple types of proof of residence, but they do expect documents that clearly show your name and new address.

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In Kentucky, common reasons for problems with a DMV change of address include:

• Name and address don’t match existing records (for example, a recent name change that was never updated)
• Using a P.O. box when a physical address is required for a license or ID
• Unreadable or outdated proof of address
• Trying to update the wrong record in the wrong place
  • Example: going to the County Clerk to update driver’s license records, which are handled by KYTC
• System flags or holds on your license or registration that must be cleared first, such as outstanding issues or suspensions

To avoid rejection, bring clear, recent, and original documents where possible, and make sure the address information is consistent across everything you present.

Step-by-Step Options for a Kentucky DMV Change of Address

In Kentucky, the process and options differ depending on whether you’re updating your driver’s license/ID or your vehicle registration and title. Below is a simplified breakdown.

At a Glance: Where to Update What

Because Kentucky separates these functions, your DMV change of address Kentucky “to‑do list” will almost always involve two updates.

Changing Your Driver’s License or ID Address in Kentucky

Many drivers in Kentucky find that updating their license is the first step they take, since it gives them current photo ID with their new address.

1. Online Address Change (If Offered and You’re Eligible)

Kentucky has been expanding online driver services through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Online options can change over time, so it is best to:

• Go to the official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website (look for a .ky.gov address).
• Navigate to the driver licensing or “online services” section.
• Look for information about changing your driver’s license address online or updating contact information.

In many cases:

• You may be able to update your address in the state’s records online if your license is valid and you meet basic eligibility criteria.
• Whether you receive a new physical license card or just have your address updated in the system can depend on the service available at that time and any fees or renewal needs.

If you are unsure which page to use, you can search online for “Kentucky Transportation Cabinet driver licensing online services” and select the official Kentucky (.ky.gov) site, then follow the instructions for address changes.

Online requests can be rejected if your personal information doesn’t match their records exactly, so double-check your license number, date of birth, and other requested details.

2. In-Person Address Change at a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office

In Kentucky, this is typically handled at one of the state’s Driver Licensing Regional Offices, which have largely replaced license services at local circuit court clerk offices.

General steps:

1. Locate a Driver Licensing Regional Office

   • Use the official KYTC website’s office locator or search for “Kentucky driver licensing regional office locations” on the state site.
   • Check whether the office is appointment-only or accepts walk-ins.

2. Gather your documents

   • Current Kentucky driver’s license or ID
   • Proof of new Kentucky address (utility bill, lease, etc.)
   • Any additional documents needed if your license is expiring or changing (for example, if you are upgrading to a REAL ID, you will need full identity and residency documentation).

3. Visit the office

   • Inform staff that you need to update the address on your Kentucky driver’s license or ID.
   • Complete any address change or application forms provided at the office.
   • Have your photo taken if a new card is being issued.

4. Pay any applicable fees if a new card is printed or if this coincides with a renewal. (Exact fees can change; confirm directly with KYTC.)

In some parts of Kentucky, regional offices can be busy, especially around license renewal dates. Scheduling an appointment where available can shorten your visit and help ensure you have the right documents.

3. Address Change by Mail (For License/ID)

Kentucky’s options for changing a license address by mail can vary over time. If you cannot use online services and cannot visit an office easily:

• Check the official KYTC website or contact a Driver Licensing Regional Office to ask whether mail-in address updates are accepted for your situation.
• If available, they may instruct you to:
  • Complete a Kentucky DMV change of address form or a general driver license application form, and
  • Mail it with copies of proof of address to a specific KYTC address.

Because Kentucky updates its driver licensing system periodically, it is important not to assume mail-in options exist; verify them with KYTC first.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration and Title Address in Kentucky

Your vehicle registration and title address is maintained by the County Clerk in the county where you reside. When you move to a new home in Kentucky—especially if you change counties—you should update your vehicle records with the new county.

1. In-Person at Your New County Clerk’s Office

Depending on your county in Kentucky, you may have one central clerk’s office or multiple branches that handle motor vehicle services.

Typical steps:

1. Find your new County Clerk’s Office

   • Search for “[Your County Name] Kentucky County Clerk motor vehicle” to locate the official county site.
   • Confirm office hours and whether you need an appointment for motor vehicle services.

2. Bring required items

   • Your current Kentucky registration or plate number
   • Proof of your new address in that county (utility bill, lease, property tax bill, etc.)
   • Your Kentucky driver’s license or ID

3. Tell the clerk you need to update your address on your vehicle registration (and title if applicable).

   • Complete any county-provided forms.
   • If you have moved from one Kentucky county to another, they may need to transfer your vehicle record to the new county.

4. Ask whether the title record will also be updated

   • In many cases, when you change the address on your registration, your title record is updated as well, but policies can vary by county.
   • If you’re planning to sell or transfer the vehicle soon, it is especially important to confirm your title information is accurate.

Some counties may allow limited address updates by mail or drop box for existing residents if you provide copies of proof of address, but in many cases an in-person visit is still required, especially when changing counties.

2. Address Change by Mail (Registration/Title)

Whether you can change your address by mail for vehicle records in Kentucky depends heavily on your specific county clerk:

• Some Kentucky counties may accept mailed requests with a written statement, a copy of your registration, and proof of address.
• Others may require you to appear in person, particularly for inter-county moves or when other changes are involved.

To find out what applies in your situation:

• Look up your county clerk’s official website and search for motor vehicle address changes or registration changes, or
• Call the motor vehicle division number listed on the county’s site.

After You Submit Your Address Change

After you complete your Kentucky DMV change of address—both for your license and for your vehicle—there are a few things to watch for.

For Your Driver’s License or ID

• If you updated online without requesting a new card:

  • Your address should be updated in the state’s records and visible to law enforcement or officials checking your license status.
  • Your physical card may still show the old address. You may be required to update the card itself the next time you renew or if you change other details.

• If you requested or were issued a new card:

  • Your new license or ID may be printed and mailed to your updated address.
  • Be sure your mailbox is secure and that your name is on the mailbox if you live in an apartment or shared space, to avoid returned mail.

For Your Vehicle Registration and Title

• Registration card and stickers

  • If your registration was near renewal at the time of your address change, you might receive new documents and stickers at your new address.
  • For mid-cycle address updates, your county may not issue a new registration card immediately; ask the clerk what to expect.

• Future tax and renewal notices

  • Notices should now go to your new address.
  • The first cycle after a move is when most problems show up, so it can be smart to double-check your registration renewal month and set a reminder in case mail is delayed.

In Kentucky, many residents use online lookup tools on the KYTC or county clerk websites to confirm their renewal status, especially during the first year after moving.

Special Situations for Kentucky Drivers

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders

If you have a Kentucky CDL, be especially careful:

• Federal and state rules for CDL holders are often stricter.
• You will normally need to update your CDL address with KYTC (just like a regular license), but there may be additional documentation or timing requirements.

To avoid jeopardizing your CDL status, check directly with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or your Driver Licensing Regional Office before making any changes.

Active-Duty Military and Families

In Kentucky, many service members stationed at places like Fort Knox or Fort Campbell have unique residency situations:

• If you are stationed in Kentucky but a legal resident of another state, rules for your license, registration, and tax obligations may differ from those of permanent Kentucky residents.
• If you are a Kentucky resident stationed out of state, you may need special procedures to update your address from afar.

Because military-related rules can be complex, it is best to:

• Review the military/residency guidance on the official KYTC website, or
• Contact KYTC or your County Clerk’s office and explain that you are military and need to change your address.

College Students

Many students in Kentucky, especially in college towns like Lexington, Louisville, or Bowling Green, move frequently between campus housing and home:

• If you keep a Kentucky driver’s license and you are a Kentucky resident, you may wish to update your address when your primary residence changes.
• For vehicle registration, the address often should reflect where the car is principally garaged—for many students, that is where the vehicle stays most of the year.

If you split time between a parent’s home and campus housing, consider which address is most accurate for mailing and for where the car is usually located, and ask the County Clerk if you are unsure.

New Residents of Kentucky

If you moved to Kentucky from another state:

• You will need to apply for a Kentucky driver’s license or ID through a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office.
• You must also title and register your vehicle in Kentucky through your County Clerk’s office.

In that process, your Kentucky address is established as part of the initial licensing and registration, so it is less about changing your address and more about starting fresh with Kentucky records.

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

Kentucky has many rural areas where standard street addresses can be complicated:

• For driver’s licenses and IDs, you typically must provide a physical residential address, even if your mailing address is a P.O. box or rural route.
• For registration, you may be able to use a P.O. box or rural route as your mailing address, while still listing your physical location for residency and tax purposes.

In some rural parts of Kentucky, local County Clerks are very familiar with nonstandard addresses, so if you are unsure how to list your address correctly, ask their staff which format they prefer.

Changing Your Name and Address at the Same Time

If you recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order and have also moved:

• Driver’s license/ID
  • KYTC may require you to update your name first, with appropriate legal documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order), then process your address change.
• Registration and title
  • Your County Clerk may need to update the name on your title and registration as well as the address. This could involve additional documentation and forms.

Because name and address changes together can be more complex, it is helpful to:

• Call your Driver Licensing Regional Office ahead of time for license/ID questions.
• Call your County Clerk’s motor vehicle division for title and registration requirements.

Troubleshooting: When Your Kentucky Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Even with preparation, address changes do not always process as expected. Here are common issues and how to respond.

Online Address Change Rejected

If your Kentucky DMV change of address attempt fails online:

• Check your personal information
  • Make sure your license number, date of birth, and last four of your SSN (if required) are entered exactly as they appear in state records.
• Verify eligibility
  • The online system may block certain license classes, expired licenses, or records with active issues or holds.
• Try a different browser or device
  • Occasionally, technical glitches cause errors.

If it still fails:

• Print or save any error screens, and
• Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet using the contact information on its official site, or visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in person with your documents.

You Submitted an Address Change, but Records Didn’t Update

If you completed an address change at a Kentucky office but…

• Your registration renewal notice went to your old address, or
• An online status check shows your old address,

then:

1. Allow some processing time
   • Some updates are not instant and may take a short period to show in every system.
2. Contact the office where you made the change
   • For driver’s licenses/IDs, contact the KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office.
   • For registration and title, contact the County Clerk’s Office.
3. Bring or provide your receipt if you visited in person; this helps them locate your transaction.

In Kentucky, it is common for license systems and county motor vehicle systems to update on different schedules, so you might see your new address in one record but not another for a short time.

Rejected Address Change Request

If an office rejects your request:

• Ask precisely which document or detail caused the problem.
• Confirm whether:
  • Your proof of address was too old
  • The address was incomplete or did not match USPS formatting
  • A name mismatch or other record issue exists

Once you know the reason, you can return with correct or additional documents. Often, simply bringing a different proof of address (for example, a utility bill instead of a bank statement) resolves the issue.

License Address Updated, but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because Kentucky splits responsibilities:

• It is very common for one record to be updated while the other remains unchanged.
• If your license/ID shows your new address but your registration card still lists the old address (or the opposite), you likely need to visit or contact the other agency:
  • License fixed? Then call or visit your County Clerk for registration.
  • Registration fixed? Then verify your KYTC license record.

In Kentucky, this separation is by design, not an error, so always think in terms of two updates whenever you move.

You Moved Out of Kentucky

If you moved from Kentucky to another state:

• You will typically obtain a new driver’s license and register your vehicle in your new state.
• The new state often notifies Kentucky electronically when your out-of-state license is issued, but this varies.

To wrap up your Kentucky ties:

• You can contact your former County Clerk to ask whether any local steps are recommended once you’ve titled your vehicle elsewhere.
• Be sure not to renew Kentucky registration or insurance once your vehicle is fully registered in your new state, to avoid confusion and duplicate costs.

Finding Official Kentucky Information and Next Steps

Because procedures and online services can change, the most reliable details will always come directly from Kentucky’s official websites:

• For driver’s license and ID information, search for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) driver licensing page on the official .ky.gov website.
• For vehicle registration and title, search for your [County Name] Kentucky County Clerk motor vehicle site.

To safely find the Kentucky DMV change of address pages:

1. Open your browser and search for:
   • “Kentucky Transportation Cabinet change address driver’s license” for license/ID, and
   • “[Your County] Kentucky County Clerk vehicle registration address change” for registration/title.
2. Make sure you click only on official .ky.gov or clearly identified county government sites.

Once you know which offices you need and what they require, you can:

• Update your Kentucky driver’s license or ID address through KYTC (online, in person, or by mail if available).
• Update your vehicle registration and title address with your County Clerk’s Office where you now live.

Handling both parts of your Kentucky DMV change of address promptly helps keep your license valid, your vehicle records accurate, and your important mail reaching the right place.