Location and Basic Hours

The Paris Driver License Office is located in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and handles standard driver license transactions for residents in that area. The office is situated at 110 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the office closed on state holidays and weekends.

Because staffing and hours can change without notice, call ahead at (859) 987-6000 before making the trip. The office does not accept walk-ins after 4:00 p.m., so plan to arrive with time to complete your transaction before closing.

The Paris office serves Bourbon County residents but does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or issuance. CDL applicants must travel to a larger regional office or use the state's CDL testing partner network.

Key Takeaways

  • The Paris office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and located at 110 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361.
  • You must bring a valid Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity; a Real ID-compliant document requires additional documentation.
  • Renewals, replacements, and address changes can be handled at this office, but CDL services require a trip to a regional testing center.
  • Call (859) 987-6000 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before visiting.
  • Kentucky allows online renewal for standard licenses if you meet age and status requirements, which may save you a trip.

Documents You Must Bring

Kentucky requires specific documents for every transaction at the Paris office. Bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy. You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you are renewing a license that is not expired, you may use your current license as proof of identity. If your license is expired by more than three years, you will need to provide additional documentation and may be required to retake the written test.

If you are seeking a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), bring all the above plus a second proof of residency document. Real ID processing takes longer and may require a second visit if documents are incomplete.

Services Available at the Paris Office

The Paris office handles license renewals for standard Class D licenses. If your license is not expired, you can renew in person or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Renewals typically take 10 to 15 business days if processed by mail after your visit.

License replacements — for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses — are issued the same day if you arrive before 3:00 p.m. and bring all required documents. The replacement fee is $20.50.

The office also processes address changes, name changes (with a certified court order or marriage certificate), and duplicate licenses. You cannot obtain a duplicate for a lost or stolen license; you must report it to the Kentucky State Police first and obtain a case number.

The Paris office does not conduct written or road tests, issue CDL licenses, or handle motorcycle endorsements. These services require a trip to a larger regional office or a private testing facility contracted by the state.

When to Renew Your License Online Instead

Kentucky allows online renewal through the state's Transportation Cabinet portal if your license is not expired and you meet age requirements. You do not need to visit the Paris office if you renew online — the new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you have a medical restriction, or if you need to change your name or address. You also cannot renew online if you are under 21 or over 69 years old; those age groups must renew in person.

Online renewal costs $20.50 for a standard license and requires a valid credit or debit card. If you choose to renew online, you avoid the wait at the Paris office entirely.

Fees and Payment Methods

Standard license renewal costs $20.50. A replacement license (for lost or damaged) costs $20.50. A duplicate license (for an existing valid license) costs $10.50. Real ID-compliant licenses cost an additional $15 on top of the renewal or replacement fee.

The Paris office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If paying by check, make it payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. The office does not accept personal checks from out-of-state accounts.

Fees are subject to change and may vary if you are explore for a license with medical restrictions or special endorsements. Ask at the counter if you are unsure of the exact fee for your transaction.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to may support your transaction is completed. The Paris office does not take appointments, so wait times vary by day and time of day. Mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter waits than late afternoons or Fridays.

Bring all required documents in original form or certified copies. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photograph (unless you are renewing online), and process your transaction on the spot for replacements and duplicates. Renewals by mail take 10 to 15 business days after your visit.

If any document is missing or does not meet requirements, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave the office without confirmation that your transaction is complete or that you understand what additional steps are needed.

Regional Alternatives for CDL and Testing

If you need a commercial driver license or road testing, the Paris office cannot help you. The nearest regional office that handles CDL services is in Lexington, approximately 30 miles away. You can also use a private testing facility contracted by Kentucky; the state maintains a list on the Transportation Cabinet website.

Written tests for standard licenses are offered at the Paris office only if you are renewing after expiration of more than three years. Road tests must be scheduled through a private testing partner or a regional office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail without visiting the office?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you are between 21 and 69 years old. Renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license is expired or you do not meet the age requirement, you must visit the Paris office in person.

What if I lost my license and need to report it stolen?

Contact the Kentucky State Police non-emergency line to file a report and obtain a case number. Bring that case number to the Paris office when you explore for a replacement. You cannot get a duplicate for a lost or stolen license — you must report it first.

Do I need a Real ID license, and does it cost more?

Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. It costs an extra $15 on top of your renewal or replacement fee. You will need a second proof of residency document to obtain it. Standard licenses remain valid for state ID purposes.

How long does a renewal take if I visit the office?

If you renew in person at the Paris office, the license is mailed to you in 10 to 15 business days. Replacements and duplicates for an existing valid license are issued the same day if you arrive before 3:00 p.m. with all required documents.

What if the office is closed when I need to renew?

Renew online if your license is not expired and you meet age requirements. If you cannot renew online, contact the office at (859) 987-6000 to confirm hours or ask about the nearest alternative location. Some services may be available at other Bourbon County offices or regional centers.