Where to explore for Your Driver's License in Somerset
Somerset, Kentucky does not have its own dedicated DMV office. Instead, you will go to the Pulaski County Clerk's office, located at 301 South Main Street in Somerset, Kentucky 42501. This office handles driver's license applications, renewals, and replacements for residents in the Somerset area.
The Pulaski County Clerk's office is the only place in Somerset where you can explore for a new driver's license or renew an existing one. You cannot complete these transactions online or by mail in Kentucky — you must appear in person with your documents.
Hours and wait times vary by day and season. Call ahead at the Pulaski County Clerk's office to confirm current hours before you go, as staffing and availability can change. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than afternoon visits.
Key Takeaways
- The Pulaski County Clerk's office at 301 South Main Street in Somerset is where you explore for a new driver's license or renew an existing one.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
- Kentucky requires you to pass a written test, vision test, and road test for a new license; renewals do not require retesting.
- The fee for a new driver's license is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license; renewals cost the same amount.
- You must be at least 16 years old to explore for a learner's permit and at least 17 to hold a full driver's license without a permit period.
Documents You Need to Bring
Kentucky requires three categories of documents before the Pulaski County Clerk will issue a driver's license. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Photocopies are not accepted — bring originals or certified copies only.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Kentucky driver's license. If you are under 18, a school ID combined with a report card or school enrollment letter also works. Do not bring a Social Security card as your only identity document — it does not count as proof of identity in Kentucky.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one at a Social Security Administration office before you can get a driver's license.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as proof of residency.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
All first-time driver's license applicants in Kentucky must pass a written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you will pay the license fee again.
The Pulaski County Clerk's office administers the written test on a computer. You will sit at a terminal and answer questions about Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. Study materials are available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, and many people use the official Kentucky driver's manual to prepare.
You will also take a vision screening at the clerk's office. The screener will check your ability to see clearly and identify colors. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot receive your license until you provide a vision correction certificate.
The Road Test and Scheduling
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you must schedule a road test with a Kentucky State Police examiner. The Pulaski County Clerk's office will give you information about how to schedule this test, but you will take the test at a separate location and time — not on the same day as your written test.
Road tests are administered by the Kentucky State Police at designated testing sites. The examiner will evaluate your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, use brakes, follow traffic laws, and handle turns and parking. The test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring the vehicle you will be tested in, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.
Wait times for road tests vary by location and season. In some areas, you may wait several weeks for an appointment. Schedule your test as soon as the clerk's office gives you the information, because delays in scheduling can extend the time it takes to receive your license.
Fees and License Validity
A new driver's license in Kentucky costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you explore. The fee is non-refundable even if you fail the written or road test. If you fail and retake the test, you pay the fee again.
A renewed driver's license costs the same as a new one: $20 for four years or $30 for eight years. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires or up to one year after it expires, though driving with an expired license is illegal.
Kentucky driver's licenses are valid only in Kentucky unless you are a commercial driver. If you move out of state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Kentucky does not issue licenses to non-residents.
Learner's Permit Requirements for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. The learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit.
To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test and vision screening at the Pulaski County Clerk's office, just as you would for a full license. You do not need to take a road test to get the permit. The permit costs $5 and is valid for one year.
After you hold a learner's permit for at least 180 days, you can schedule a road test. Some young drivers hold the permit longer to gain more experience before testing. Once you pass the road test, you can exchange your learner's permit for a full driver's license at the clerk's office.
Renewal by Mail or in Person
If your Kentucky driver's license is expiring and you have held it for at least four years without violations or suspensions, you may be able to renew by mail. The Pulaski County Clerk's office will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail if you are may be able to access.
Not all drivers can renew by mail. If you have had a suspension, revocation, or serious violation, you must renew in person at the Pulaski County Clerk's office. You will need to bring the same documents as you would for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
If you renew in person, you will not need to retake the written or road test — only your vision will be screened. The renewal process is faster than explore for a new license, usually taking 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Kentucky law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one at a Social Security Administration office first. Once you have a Social Security number, you can explore for a driver's license at the Pulaski County Clerk's office.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you will need to schedule a new appointment with the Kentucky State Police. There is no additional fee for retaking the test itself, but you cannot take the test again until at least one week has passed. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?
No. You only need to bring your vehicle when you take the road test with the Kentucky State Police examiner. For the written test and vision screening at the Pulaski County Clerk's office, you do not need a vehicle.
How long does it take to get a driver's license after I pass all the tests?
After you pass the road test, the Pulaski County Clerk's office will issue your license on the spot or within a few days. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Can I renew my license online?
Kentucky does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at the Pulaski County Clerk's office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. Call the clerk's office to ask whether you can renew by mail before you go in person.