Where to Go for Your Driver's License in London

London, Kentucky does not have its own dedicated driver's license office. To obtain or renew your driver's license, you must visit the Department of Transportation Regional Office in Laurel County, located in London, or travel to another Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office in a nearby county.

The London office handles standard driver's license services including new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Hours and exact location can change, so contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-502-564-6800 before you go, or check the office locator on the official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

If the London office is closed or has a long wait, you can visit any other Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office statewide. Your process will be processed the same way regardless of which office you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The London, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office serves Laurel County residents and handles all standard driver's license transactions.
  • You must bring a valid proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — the specific documents accepted vary by license type.
  • Kentucky offers both REAL ID-compliant and standard driver's licenses; REAL ID licenses cost more but work for federal building entry and domestic air travel.
  • First-time driver's license holders must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license has been suspended or expired for more than five years.
  • Call ahead to confirm office hours and current wait times, as staffing and schedules can change without notice.

Documents You Need to Bring

Kentucky requires three categories of documents for any driver's license transaction: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot complete your transaction without all three.

Proof of identity can be a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Kentucky driver's license or ID card. A school ID or work ID alone is not sufficient. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. You do not need to bring the original — a copy is acceptable.

Proof of residency must show your current London address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance bill, or a government check. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency for a Kentucky license.

Fees and License Types in Kentucky

Kentucky offers two main driver's license types: a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The standard license costs less but cannot be used for federal building entry or domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. The REAL ID license meets federal identification standards and costs more.

A standard four-year driver's license costs $20. A REAL ID four-year license costs $30. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years and costs the same. Renewal fees are identical to new license fees. Replacement licenses (if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged) cost $10 for a standard license and $20 for a REAL ID license.

Kentucky does not accept payment plans or partial fees. You must pay the full amount at the time of your transaction. The London office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card — confirm which payment methods they accept when you call ahead.

Testing Requirements for First-Time Drivers

If you are obtaining your first Kentucky driver's license, you must pass three separate tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test. Each test has its own requirements and scheduling process.

The written knowledge test covers Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Kentucky Driver's Manual, available free on the Transportation Cabinet website or in print at the London office. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you must return on another day to retake it.

The vision test is administered at the same office during your visit. You must have vision of at least 20/60 in each eye, corrected or uncorrected. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The road test is scheduled separately after you pass the written and vision tests. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake safely, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must provide your own vehicle for the road test, and it must be registered and insured. The road test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Renewing Your License Without Retesting

If your Kentucky driver's license is still valid or expired for fewer than five years, you can renew it without retaking the written, vision, or road tests. You only need to bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — the same documents required for a new license.

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; your new license will still be valid for four years from the date you renew. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must retake all three tests as if you were a first-time driver.

If your address has changed since your last license, you must provide proof of your new residency. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition, bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

A suspended or revoked license cannot be renewed at the London office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Driver Licensing Section.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of too many traffic violations. A revocation is more serious and typically results from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. You can contact the Driver Licensing Section at 1-502-564-6800 to find out the reason for your suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.

Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can visit the London office to renew or replace your license. Bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been cleared — this may be a letter from the court, the Transportation Cabinet, or the agency that imposed the suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license by mail or online from London?

Kentucky does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit a Transportation Cabinet office in person. However, if your license is not suspended and is not expired by more than five years, the renewal process is straightforward and does not require retesting.

What if I move out of London but still want to use the London office?

You can use any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office regardless of where you live. However, if you move to a different address in Kentucky, you must update your address on your license within 10 days. Bring proof of your new residency to any office to change your address.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass all the tests?

Your temporary license is issued on the spot after you pass the road test. Your permanent license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the London office to check the status.

Do I need a REAL ID license if I only drive locally in London?

A standard driver's license is sufficient for driving. However, starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID license is required to enter federal buildings or board domestic flights. If you think you may need to fly or enter a federal courthouse, the REAL ID license is worth the extra $10.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule a new test appointment. Contact the London office to schedule your next attempt. Most people pass on their second or third try.