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Kentucky · Permit test

What a Kentucky permit and license cost

A Kentucky learner's permit costs $15, or $18 as a REAL ID. A 4-year driver's license is $21.50 ($24 for REAL ID), and an 8-year license is $43 ($48 for REAL ID). Renewing costs the same as getting the license. These are the Transportation Cabinet's fees as of October 2026.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Driver's license and permit fees

CredentialStandardREAL ID
Learner's permit (3 years)$15$18
Intermediate license (teens)$15$18
Driver's license, 4 years$21.50$24
Driver's license, 8 years$43$48
Upgrade to REAL ID, keeping your expiration date-$15

The upgrade price applies when your current card has more than six months left. None of the KSP or Transportation Cabinet pages we checked list a separate fee for the written test or the road test.

Kentucky driver's license renewal fee

Renewal costs the same as a new license: $21.50 for 4 years or $43 for 8 years, or $24 and $48 for a REAL ID. The Cabinet doesn't list different prices for renewing online, by mail or in person. The vision screening at a Regional Office is free.

Motorcycle, ID card and CDL fees

  • Motorcycle permit (1 year): $15, or $18 for REAL ID.
  • Driver's and motorcycle license together: $26.50 for 4 years or $53 for 8 years. REAL ID: $29 or $58.
  • Personal ID card: $11.50 for 4 years or $23 for 8 years. REAL ID: $14 or $28.
  • Commercial learner's permit: $11, or $14 for REAL ID, plus a $3 background check. A CDL itself is $18.75 to $50.

Courses teens pay for

Teens need a 4-hour graduated licensing course before a full license. The Alive at 25 class is free in person or on Zoom, and RightLane's online course is $12.50. Private driving schools set their own prices.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewKentucky permit testAppointmentsBooking a Kentucky permit test or license appointmentWhat to bringKentucky REAL ID and permit documentsOnlineCan you take the Kentucky permit test online?Road testThe Kentucky State Police road testDriver's licenseHow to get a Kentucky driver's licenseRenew or replaceRenewing or replacing a Kentucky driver's licenseTesting sites and officesWhere to take the Kentucky permit testDriving recordGetting your Kentucky driving recordCDLGetting a Kentucky CDLMotorcycleGetting a Kentucky motorcycle licenseDriving logThe Kentucky practice driving logOther languagesTaking the Kentucky permit test in another languageRoad signsRoad signs on the Kentucky permit testDriver manualThe Kentucky Driver ManualPractice testKentucky permit practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the Kentucky permit test
Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.