Kentucky has 16 regional driver's license offices, and you must visit the one that serves your county
Kentucky does not let you choose which office to visit. The state divides all 120 counties into 16 regions, and you must go to the office assigned to your county. You cannot renew, replace, or take a test at a different region's office unless you have moved and updated your address first. Finding your correct regional office is the first step before you schedule anything or gather documents.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet maintains the official list of regional offices and their assigned counties. Each office handles the same services — written tests, road tests, license issuance, and renewals — but only for residents of its assigned counties. If you go to the wrong office, staff will turn you away and direct you to the correct one.
Key Takeaways
- Your county determines which of Kentucky's 16 regional offices you must visit; you cannot choose a different location.
- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website lists all regional offices with their assigned counties and current hours of operation.
- You must update your address with the state before visiting a regional office in a different county, even if you have already moved.
- Regional offices handle written tests, road tests, license renewals, and replacements during posted business hours, which vary by location.
- Some offices operate on appointment-only schedules while others accept walk-ins; call ahead to confirm the current system at your office.
How to Find Your Regional Office by County
Start by identifying your county of residence. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet publishes a county-to-office map on its official website. Search for your county name in the list, and it will show you the name of your regional office, its street address, phone number, and hours of operation.
If you have recently moved to Kentucky or moved within the state, use your current county of residence, not where you previously lived. Your driver's license address must match your actual residence before you can use that regional office. If your license still shows an old address, you will need to update it first — either online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet portal or by mail — before visiting the office in person.
The 16 regional offices are located in: Ashland, Bowling Green, Corbin, Covington, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Hazard, Lexington, Louisville, Madisonville, Morehead, Owensboro, Paducah, Richmond, Somerset, and Williamsburg. Each serves multiple counties in its geographic area.
Hours, Appointments, and Walk-In Policies
Regional office hours vary by location. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days. A few offices have moved to appointment-only systems, while others still accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. The policy has changed at different offices over time, so you must call your regional office directly or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you visit.
If your office requires an appointment, you can usually schedule one through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or by calling the office directly. Walk-in offices typically open early and close mid-afternoon; arriving early in the day increases your chances of being seen without a long wait. During peak times — early morning, lunch hours, and late afternoon — wait times can exceed two hours even at walk-in offices.
Some regional offices close for state holidays or maintenance. Before making a trip, confirm the office is open that day by calling ahead or checking the website. This is especially important if you are traveling more than 30 minutes to reach your assigned office.
What You Need to Bring to Your Regional Office Visit
The documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time. All visits require proof of identity and proof of residence. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
For a written test or road test, bring your learner's permit (if required for your age), proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number. For a renewal, bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity and proof of residence. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and bring their own ID.
Bring the original documents or certified copies, not photocopies. The regional office staff will not accept uncertified copies of birth certificates or other vital records. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call your regional office before you visit.
Fees You Will Pay at the Regional Office
Kentucky charges different fees for different services. A standard four-year driver's license costs $30. A renewal costs $30. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $10. A duplicate license costs $10. A written test or road test does not have a separate fee if you are obtaining a new license, but retaking a failed test may have a fee — call your regional office to confirm the current amount.
All regional offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. Fees do not change by region; you will pay the same amount at any Kentucky regional office.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and provide your documents. Staff will verify your identity and residence, take your photograph, and collect your fee. If you are taking a written test, you will be directed to a testing station where you will answer questions on a computer or paper form. If you are taking a road test, an examiner will inspect your vehicle and accompany you on a driving route.
If you pass a test or your renewal is approved, you will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the office's current process. If you fail a test, staff will tell you when you can retake it. If your process is incomplete or documents are missing, staff will tell you what you need to bring back.
The entire visit typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you are taking a test. Bring a book or phone charger if you expect a wait.
Changing Your Regional Office After a Move
If you move to a different county in Kentucky, you must update your address with the state before you can use your new regional office. You can update your address online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, by mail, or in person at any regional office. Once your address is updated in the system, you can visit the regional office that serves your new county.
Do not visit a regional office outside your assigned county before updating your address. Staff will ask for proof of your current residence and will not process your request if your license address does not match. Updating your address takes one to two business days if you do it online or in person, or up to two weeks if you mail the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit a different regional office if the one assigned to my county has a long wait?
No. Kentucky's system requires you to visit the office assigned to your county of residence. If wait times are very long, call your regional office to ask about appointment availability or call back at a different time of day. You cannot visit another region's office unless you have moved and updated your address first.
What if I moved to Kentucky from another state — which regional office do I use?
Use the regional office assigned to the Kentucky county where you now live. Bring your out-of-state driver's license as proof of identity, along with proof of your Kentucky residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You will need to pass a written test and road test to obtain a Kentucky license.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
It depends on your regional office. Some offices are appointment-only, while others accept walk-ins. Call your regional office directly or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to find out the current policy. If appointments are required and you do not have one, staff will not see you.
What if my regional office is more than an hour away?
You still must visit your assigned office. Kentucky does not offer exceptions based on distance. If travel is difficult, ask whether your office offers appointments, which may reduce wait time. Some counties have satellite offices or mobile units that operate on a limited schedule — call your regional office to ask whether this option is available in your area.
Can I renew my license by mail instead of visiting the regional office?
Kentucky offers online renewal for some drivers, but you must visit a regional office in person for your first renewal after moving to the state, for a replacement, or if you are under 18. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see whether you are may be able to access for online renewal before you visit the office.