What you'll find at the Louisville Dixie Highway location
The Louisville Dixie Highway Regional Office is one of Kentucky's driver licensing facilities where you can renew your license, get a duplicate, change your address, or take a written or road test. It's operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing. The office handles the same transactions as other regional offices across the state, but serves the Louisville area and surrounding counties.
This location processes standard driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and motorcycle endorsements. You can also handle certain permit-related matters here, though some transactions may require a visit to a different office depending on what you need.
Key Takeaways
- The Louisville Dixie Highway office handles renewals, duplicates, address changes, and both written and road tests for driver's licenses.
- You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the specific documents depend on your transaction type.
- Road tests must be scheduled in advance; you cannot walk in and test the same day.
- Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so calling ahead or checking the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you go saves time.
- If you need a Real ID-compliant license, bring an original or certified birth certificate plus a passport or other federal ID document.
Address, hours, and how to contact the office
The Louisville Dixie Highway Regional Office is located at 2309 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210. You can reach them by phone at (502) 696-0607 to ask about current hours, wait times, or whether you need an appointment for your specific transaction.
Hours change seasonally and may vary by day of the week. Calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm whether the office is open when you plan to visit and whether you need to schedule a road test or other service in advance. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website also lists current hours for all regional offices.
Documents to bring for common transactions
What you need depends on what you're doing. For a standard renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current Kentucky address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed, bring the same documents plus a form showing your new address.
For a duplicate license, bring the same documents plus a report of the lost or stolen license if you have one. If you're taking a written test, bring your permit and the same proof documents. For a road test, bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be tested in — the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Kentucky residency, and a federal ID document such as a passport, military ID, or passport card. Real ID processing takes longer than a standard renewal.
Road test scheduling and what to expect
You cannot walk in and take a road test the same day. Tests must be scheduled in advance by calling the office or through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's online scheduling system if available. When you call, have your permit number ready and be prepared to choose from available time slots.
On test day, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll drive. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check the vehicle first, then conduct the test on local roads. The test typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll receive your results the same day.
What to do if you need a different service
Some transactions are handled at different locations. If you need to explore for a learner's permit for the first time, you may need to visit a different office or complete that step online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, depending on current procedures. Call the Dixie Highway office to confirm whether they handle first-time permit applications or whether you should go elsewhere.
If you need to reinstate a suspended or revoked license, that process involves the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's suspension and reinstatement unit, not the regional office. You'll need to contact that unit separately to understand what steps are required and what fees explore before you can renew at any office.
Preparing for your visit to save time
Gather all required documents before you go. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call ahead to confirm current hours and whether your specific transaction requires an appointment. If you're taking a road test, schedule it by phone rather than showing up without a reservation.
Bring more than one form of proof for each requirement if possible — for example, two pieces of mail showing your address, or both your Social Security card and a W-2. If a document is missing or unclear, the office will turn you away and you'll have to return. Bring your current license even if it's expired, because it speeds up the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail instead of visiting the office?
Kentucky allows mail renewal for some drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who meet other conditions. Call the Dixie Highway office or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see if you're may be able to access. If you are, you can renew by mail without visiting in person.
What if I don't have proof of my Social Security number?
You'll need an original Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or other official document showing your number. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the office. The regional office cannot issue one for you.
Do I need an appointment for a license renewal?
Most renewals do not require an appointment, but you may wait in line. Road tests always require advance scheduling. Call the office to ask whether appointments are being taken for renewals on the day you plan to visit, especially during busy seasons.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on availability. There is a fee for each test attempt. The examiner will tell you what skills to practice before your next test. You must keep your permit valid during this time.
Is the Dixie Highway office the only place I can test in Louisville?
Kentucky has multiple regional offices in the Louisville area. If the Dixie Highway location has a long wait or limited test availability, you may be able to schedule at another nearby office. Call the main Kentucky Transportation Cabinet number to ask about other locations and their current availability.