What You Need to Do to Renew in Somerset

To renew your Kentucky driver's license in Somerset, you must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person — Kentucky does not allow online or mail renewals for standard licenses. Somerset is in Pulaski County, and the nearest office is the Pulaski County Regional Office, located at 198 Playground Road, Somerset, KY 42501. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a fee, and pass a vision test. The process takes about 30 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time.

Your renewal timeline depends on when your license expires. Kentucky licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, but you cannot renew after it expires — if your license is expired, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires additional documents and steps. Check your current license to find your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at the Pulaski County Regional Driver Licensing Office in Somerset; no online or mail renewal is available.
  • Bring your current Kentucky license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — all three are required.
  • The renewal fee is $48 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or debit/credit card at the office.
  • You will take a new photo and pass a vision screening as part of the renewal process.
  • Arrive during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) to avoid long waits; the office does not take appointments.

Documents You Must Bring

Kentucky requires three categories of documents for license renewal: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Kentucky address. Bring your valid Kentucky driver's license — this is your primary ID for the transaction. If your license is lost or damaged, you cannot renew; you must explore for a replacement or new license instead.

For proof of Social Security number, bring one of these: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full SSN. A birth certificate alone does not count. For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Somerset address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A postmarked envelope is not sufficient.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the court order or certified marriage certificate showing the change. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.

The Renewal Process at the Pulaski County Office

Walk into the Pulaski County Regional Driver Licensing Office with your documents and take a number from the ticket dispenser near the entrance. Wait for your number to be called. When you reach the window, hand the clerk your current license and your supporting documents. The clerk will verify your information against the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet database and check that your documents are valid.

You will then move to the vision screening station, where you read letters on a chart from a set distance. You must see 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without corrective lenses). If you fail, you may be asked to return with an eye doctor's statement confirming you can drive safely. After passing the vision test, you will sit for a new photo. Wear something you are comfortable with — no hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face.

The clerk will collect the $48 fee and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive.

Hours, Location, and What to Expect for Wait Times

The Pulaski County Regional Driver Licensing Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. The office does not accept appointments; service is first-come, first-served.

Wait times vary sharply by day and time. Early morning (8:00 to 9:00 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (2:00 to 3:30 p.m.) on weekdays are typically quieter. Avoid lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and the last hour before closing. Saturdays are often busier because working people come in. If you go on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, expect to wait 45 minutes to over an hour. Plan accordingly — bring your phone or something to read.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard eight-year Kentucky driver's license renewal costs $48. This is the only fee for a straightforward renewal if you have no violations, name changes, or address corrections beyond what you provide on the form. The office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). There is no additional charge for the temporary paper license or for mailing your new card.

If you need to add or remove a restriction (such as corrective lenses), there is no extra fee. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with hazmat endorsement, the fee is higher — ask the clerk when you arrive, or call the office ahead at (606) 679-6555.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires more documents and takes longer. You will need your birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence (passport, visa, or I-94). The fee for a new license is $48, the same as renewal, but the process takes longer because the office must verify your identity more thoroughly.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew it by explore for a new one without retaking the written test — ask the clerk. If it expired more than five years ago, you must pass the written knowledge test, vision test, and road test. Do not drive with an expired license; it is illegal and can result in a citation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing incomplete documents. Many people bring a utility bill but forget their Social Security card, or bring a lease but no proof of SSN. Check the three-part requirement before you go: current license, SSN proof, and residency proof. A second mistake is arriving with an expired license and expecting to renew on the spot — you cannot. If your license is expired, call ahead to confirm what documents you need for a new license process.

A third mistake is bringing a postmarked envelope or a bill addressed to a former address as proof of residency. The document must show your current Somerset address and be dated within 60 days. Finally, do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card — bring the original card or an official document like a W-2 or tax return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail in Kentucky?

No. Kentucky requires all driver's license renewals to be done in person at a regional office. You must visit the Pulaski County office in Somerset, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. There is no online or mail option for standard license renewals.

What if I cannot get to Somerset during office hours?

The Pulaski County office is the only location serving Somerset residents. If you cannot visit during weekday hours, the office is open Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are unable to visit in person due to disability or hardship, call (606) 679-6555 to ask about accommodations or alternative options.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your plastic license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the office. You receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, call the office to check the status.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Pulaski County Regional Driver Licensing Office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to minimize wait time.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring your new proof of residency (dated within 60 days) showing your current Somerset address. The clerk will update your address in the system during renewal. You do not need to pay an extra fee for an address change.