Where the Boone County DMV is located and what it handles
The Boone County Driver's License Office is in Burlington, Kentucky, and it is the place where you renew, replace, or obtain your driver's license if you live in Boone County. The office is run by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and handles all driver's license transactions for the county — renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and new licenses for people who have never held one.
The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work. Those services are handled by the Boone County Clerk's office in a separate location. If you need both a license and vehicle registration, you will need to visit two different offices.
Key Takeaways
- The Boone County Driver's License Office in Burlington handles only driver's license transactions, not vehicle registration or title work.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get or renew a license.
- Kentucky offers both a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license, which costs more but works for federal purposes like flying domestically.
- Wait times vary by season and time of day; calling ahead or checking online can tell you how long the current wait is.
- If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
What documents you need to bring
To get a new license or renew an existing one at the Boone County office, you must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Acceptable forms of identity include a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a birth certificate and a school ID.
Proof of residency means a document showing your current Boone County address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A mail piece from a government agency also counts. You cannot use a PO box as proof of residency.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and documentation of your immigration status.
Standard license versus REAL ID: what the difference costs
Kentucky offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The standard license works for driving and state identification but does not meet federal requirements for flying domestically, entering federal buildings, or accessing military bases. The REAL ID license meets those federal standards and has a gold star in the upper right corner.
The REAL ID license costs more than a standard license. Exact fees vary depending on whether you are renewing or getting a new license, but the REAL ID option typically adds $15 to $25 to the cost. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, the REAL ID is necessary — a standard license will not work for those purposes as of the current federal important date.
To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus additional proof of your legal presence in the United States. A passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all count. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard license.
How to renew your license without visiting in person
If your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you prefer not to visit the office. You will need to fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. The state will mail your new license to you.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit the Boone County office in person and bring the same documents you would need for a new license. The same rule applies if you need to change your address, add or remove restrictions, or update your name.
What to expect when you visit the office
When you arrive at the Boone County Driver's License Office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary by time of day and season. Early mornings and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons and Fridays. You can call the office or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see the current wait time before you go.
When your number is called, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The photo is taken at the office, so dress as you would for any ID photo. You will also take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Boone County office hours and contact information
The Boone County Driver's License Office in Burlington is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Exact hours may vary by season or for holidays, so call ahead or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you visit. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
You can reach the office by phone to ask about wait times, confirm what documents you need, or ask about your specific situation. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also has a website where you can find the office address, hours, and links to online services like renewal and address change.
What to do if you need a replacement license or have a suspended license
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Boone County office. Bring the same documents you would need for a renewal, plus a police report if your license was stolen. A replacement costs less than a new license but more than a renewal.
If your license is suspended, you cannot straightforward renew it or get a replacement. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying a fine, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Transportation Cabinet. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew or replace your license. The Boone County office staff can tell you what you need to do to clear a suspension, but they cannot lift it themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a license at the Boone County office?
The visit itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid while you wait for the permanent one.
Can I renew my license online if I live in Boone County?
Yes, if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years. You can renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website using your license number and Social Security number. The process takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
What if I need a REAL ID but do not have a birth certificate?
You can use other documents to prove your legal presence, such as a passport, naturalization papers, or a visa. Bring whatever document you have that shows your citizenship or legal status. The office staff can tell you if what you have is acceptable before you complete the process.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Boone County office?
The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times so you know when to visit. Early mornings and mid-week visits are usually faster.
What happens if my license is suspended?
You cannot renew or replace a suspended license until the suspension is lifted. You must resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying a fine or completing a required course. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.