Driver’s license and state ID in Kentucky
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- Update your name
- YesAfter your legal name change
- Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
- LimitedM or F with proof of surgery
Kentucky changes the sex on a driver's license or ID only if you bring an amended birth certificate, a court order changing your gender marker, or a letter from a surgeon confirming gender-affirming surgery. Only M and F are available. Changing your name is simple: bring your court order and updated Social Security card; the fee is $15.
- Main cost
- $15, can be waived
- Apply
- In person
- Typical wait
- 10 to 15 business days
Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify
On this page
How it works
Driver's licenses and ID cards are issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) at Driver Licensing Regional Offices. KYTC's list of accepted documents requires one of these to change the gender marker:
- an amended birth certificate showing the new sex (for people born in Kentucky, this itself requires surgery and a court-ordered name change; see the birth certificate guide),
- a court order changing your gender marker, or
- a letter from your surgeon verifying completion of gender reassignment surgery.
There is no self-attestation or general provider-letter option, and no X marker. If you were born in a state that amends birth certificates without surgery, an amended certificate from that state is one of the listed documents.
Changing your name only needs your court order (or marriage certificate or divorce decree) and a Social Security card in the new name.
Steps
If your name is changing, update Social Security first[2]
KYTC requires an updated Social Security card showing your new name before it will change the name on your license.
- Your current license or ID.
- Name change: certified court order (or marriage certificate/divorce decree) and updated Social Security card.
- Gender marker: one of: amended birth certificate, certified court order changing your gender marker, or a letter from your surgeon verifying completion of gender reassignment surgery.
- If you are upgrading to REAL ID at the same time, bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Kentucky residency.
Name changes must be done in person. You can start a pre-application in the myDrive portal to save time. Pay $15 for the corrected card.
- Cost
- $15 duplicate or corrected license or ID (name change, replacement)
Receive your card by mail[2]
You get a temporary credential at the office; the permanent card typically arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days.
- Time
- 10 to 15 business days
Costs and fee waivers
Can’t afford it? You may not have to pay.[3]
KYTC issues ID cards at no cost to eligible people experiencing homelessness and free voter ID cards to eligible voters. There is no waiver for driver's licenses.
More detail
Forms1 form: TC 94-192
Open a form for tips on filling it out.
TC 94-192Driver License/ID Card Renewal or Replacement (mail-in)Optional
For replacing a card or changing your address by mail. Name changes and gender-marker changes must be done in person, so most people will not use this form for either.
RequirementsWhere you live, timeline
- Where you live
- You must be a Kentucky resident holding or applying for a Kentucky license, permit, or ID card.[1]
- Other
- One gender-change document is required (amended birth certificate, court order changing gender marker, or surgeon's letter).
- How long it takes
One office visit, then 10 to 15 business days for the card.
After you finishKentucky law gives you 10 days after a name change order to apply for a corrected license (KRS 186.540).
Kentucky law gives you 10 days after a name change order to apply for a corrected license (KRS 186.540). If you cannot meet the gender-marker requirements, you can still update your name now and keep the existing marker. Federal documents (passport, Social Security) currently cannot show a changed sex marker regardless of state rules.
Tips2 tips from people who have done this
- If you were born in a state that amends birth certificates by affidavit or provider letter (for example Illinois or California), getting that state's amended certificate first may be your easiest path to a Kentucky license marker change.
- Bring certified copies, not photocopies. Offices keep a scan but may reject uncertified court orders.
Laws and other guides1 law, 2 other guides
Laws and rules
- KRS 186.540: Application for corrected license or ID card upon change of name or address
Other trusted guides
- KYTC, Valid Proof Documents (flyer)
- Advocates for Trans Equality, Kentucky identity documents. No last-updated date shown on the page as of September 2026.
Sources
6 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
- Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky driver's licenses, permits, and identification cards
“Gender Change: One (1) required. Court Order changing gender marker. Letter from surgeon verifying completion of gender reassignment. Amended Birth Certificate.”
- Update or replace your credential
“Name changes must be completed in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. A $15.00 fee applies.”
- Identification cards
“Homeless ID cards and voter ID cards may be issued at no cost for customers who meet eligibility requirements.”
- Find an office
- TC 94-192, Driver License/ID Card Renewal or Replacement (Rev. 3/2026)
“Duplicate or Replacement: Driver License or ID Card ($15.00)”
- KRS 186.540, Application for corrected license or identification card upon change of address or name