Where to Go for Your Mayfield Driver's License

The Graves County Clerk's Office in Mayfield handles driver's license services for residents in that area. You cannot renew or obtain a license at the Mayfield location itself — the Graves County Clerk's office processes paperwork and collects fees, but the actual license is issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing.

To get a new license or renew an existing one, you must visit a Regional Driver's Licensing Office operated by the state. The nearest full-service office to Mayfield is in Paducah, about 30 miles west. Some services — like address changes or duplicate licenses — can be handled by mail or through the Graves County Clerk's office, but a new license or renewal with a new photo requires an in-person appointment at a regional office.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call the Paducah office directly. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer, especially on Fridays and early in the month.

Key Takeaways

  • New licenses and renewals must be done in person at the Paducah Regional Driver's Licensing Office, not in Mayfield.
  • The Graves County Clerk's office in Mayfield can handle address changes, duplicate licenses, and fee collection for some transactions.
  • You must bring a valid Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence to get a Kentucky license.
  • Scheduling an appointment online reduces wait time significantly compared to walk-in service.
  • Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for five years for adults under 65 and eight years for those 65 and older.

Documents You Need for a New License in Kentucky

Kentucky requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card or a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 from the past two years. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and Kentucky address on it.

If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), you also need proof of citizenship or legal presence. This means a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or an I-94 arrival/departure record. A standard Kentucky license does not require this extra step.

What to Expect at the Paducah Regional Office

The appointment process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents and arrive on time. You will be called by number, not by name. Bring your documents to the counter, where staff will verify them and take your photo and signature digitally.

You will also take a written test covering Kentucky traffic laws and road signs unless you are renewing an existing license without a suspension or revocation. The test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly. Study materials are available free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

After passing the test and verification, you pay the fee — $20 for a five-year license or $30 for an eight-year license if you are 65 or older. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

Kentucky allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on the front. You can renew by mail if you have not had any suspensions, revocations, or medical restrictions, and if your address has not changed. Mail-in renewal costs $20 and takes about two weeks.

To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your current license to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at the Paducah office. Renewals in person cost the same as mail-in renewals but are processed when ready, and you receive your temporary license on the spot.

Fees and Payment Methods

Kentucky driver's license fees are set by state law and do not vary by county or office location. A standard five-year license costs $20. An eight-year license for drivers 65 and older costs $30. A REAL ID-compliant license costs an additional $10 on top of the standard fee.

The Paducah Regional Office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office does not accept credit cards by mail. The Graves County Clerk's office in Mayfield also accepts cash and card for transactions they handle, such as duplicate licenses or address changes.

There are no refunds if you fail the written test and must retake it. You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment, but you pay the full fee again.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

A duplicate license costs $5 and can be ordered by mail, through the Graves County Clerk's office, or in person at the Paducah office. You do not need to take a new photo or test — the office uses your existing photo on file. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail or same-day if you go in person.

To order by mail, send a letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you remember it), and a check or money order for $5 to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet address. Include a copy of a photo ID if possible. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police and request a police report number to include with your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Kentucky license online?

No. Kentucky does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements (no suspensions, no address change, no medical restrictions), or in person at the Paducah Regional Office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is same-day.

What if I moved to Mayfield from another state?

You must obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Kentucky, and your Social Security card to the Paducah office. You will take the written test and pay the full fee for a new license. Your out-of-state license becomes invalid once you receive your Kentucky license.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Both are allowed. Appointments are scheduled online and reduce wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and may wait 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the day and time. Fridays and the first week of the month are busiest.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the full license fee each time you take the test, so budget for multiple fees if you need more than one attempt.

How long is a Kentucky driver's license valid?

A standard license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, you can request an eight-year license for an additional $10. Medical restrictions or commercial endorsements may shorten the validity period — the expiration date is printed on the front of your card.