Where to renew your Somerset driver license
In Somerset, Kentucky, you renew your driver license at the Regional Driver Licensing Office located at 25 Public Square, Somerset, KY 42501. This is the only office in Pulaski County that handles renewals. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you cannot visit in person, Kentucky offers mail-in renewal for certain drivers, which we cover in detail below. Before you go, check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call the Somerset office at (606) 679-6524 to confirm current hours, since staffing changes can affect availability.
Key Takeaways
- Somerset's driver licensing office is at 25 Public Square and handles all renewals in person during weekday business hours.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you meet Kentucky's mail-in may be able to access rules.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment — the fee depends on whether you want a standard or REAL ID license.
- Standard renewals take about 10 business days by mail or same-day in person; REAL ID renewals require an in-person visit and take longer.
- If your license is expired by more than three years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
What documents you need to bring
For any renewal in Somerset, bring your current Kentucky driver license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A government-issued ID with your address also works.
If you are renewing in person, bring a payment method — cash, check, or card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. You will also need to know your Social Security number, but you do not need to bring a card.
If your address has changed since your last license, the proof of residency is especially important. If you have changed your name through marriage or legal process, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Renewal fees and license types in Kentucky
A standard Kentucky driver license costs $25 for a four-year renewal. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $35 for a four-year renewal. The difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings — a standard license does not.
If you are unsure which type you have, look at your current license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have the star and you want to fly domestically without a passport after your renewal, you should choose the REAL ID option when you renew.
Keep in mind that REAL ID renewals require an in-person visit to the Somerset office — you cannot renew a REAL ID by mail. If you currently hold a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you must also renew in person.
Renewing by mail versus in person
Kentucky allows mail-in renewal if your license is valid (not expired), you have no medical restrictions or suspensions, and you are renewing a standard license only. To renew by mail, contact the Somerset office or read the renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Fill it out, include your current license, proof of residency, and payment, then mail everything to the address on the form.
Mail-in renewal takes about 10 business days from the time the office receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. This option is useful if you cannot take time off work or have transportation challenges, but it means you will be without a physical license for roughly two weeks.
Renewing in person at the Somerset office is faster — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if you want a REAL ID license, if your current license is expired, or if you have any medical restrictions or suspensions on your record.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Kentucky license has been expired for fewer than three years, you can renew it through the normal process — by mail or in person — without retaking any tests. Bring the same documents and follow the same steps as a standard renewal.
If your license has been expired for three years or longer, you must renew in person at the Somerset office and you will need to retake the written knowledge test. You do not have to retake the road test unless your license was suspended for a safety violation or you are under 21. The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs; study materials are available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
Plan extra time for your visit if you need to test. The Somerset office can schedule you for the written exam on the same day as your renewal appointment, but arrive early and bring a pen.
Timeline and what to expect on renewal day
If you renew in person at the Somerset office, the process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion, depending on how busy the office is. You will check in, provide your documents, have your photo taken, pay the fee, and receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
If you are renewing by mail, allow at least two weeks from the time you mail your packet to the time you receive your new license. The office needs time to receive your documents, process them, print your license, and mail it back to you. Plan ahead if you have travel or need your license for identification purposes.
If your license is expiring soon and you have not yet renewed, do not wait until the last day. Renewing early means you will have your new license before the old one expires, so you avoid driving with an expired license.
Special situations: suspensions, restrictions, and name changes
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must contact the Somerset office or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to resolve the suspension first. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, or failure to pay child support. The office can tell you what steps are needed to lift the suspension.
If you have medical restrictions on your license — such as corrective lenses or hearing aids — those restrictions will carry over to your renewed license unless a doctor's clearance removes them. If you believe a restriction should be removed, bring documentation from your healthcare provider to your renewal appointment.
If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change. The Somerset office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a renewal, so you pay the standard renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Kentucky license online?
No, Kentucky does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at the Somerset office. Mail-in renewal is the closest option to online — you fill out a form, mail it with your documents and payment, and receive your new license by mail.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit the Somerset office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a new license with a new number. This is treated as a replacement, not a renewal, and may have a different fee — call the office to confirm.
How long is a Kentucky driver license valid?
A standard Kentucky driver license is valid for four years from the date of issue. A REAL ID license is also valid for four years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Somerset office?
No appointment is required. The Somerset office operates on a walk-in basis. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times, and arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of residency at your new address. If you are renewing by mail, include the proof with your packet. If you are renewing in person, bring it to your appointment. The new address will appear on your renewed license.