Kentucky's driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Transportation, Division of Driver Licensing, through 16 regional offices across the state
You cannot get a Kentucky driver's license online or by mail. You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person, bring the required documents, pass the written test and vision screening, and pay the fee. The state has 16 offices located in cities including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington, and Owensboro, plus smaller offices in other counties. Each office handles the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient.
The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are busiest on Mondays, Fridays, and around the middle of the month. Going early in the week or mid-morning typically means shorter waits.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Regional Driver Licensing Office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to get a Kentucky driver's license.
- Kentucky's 16 regional offices are located in major cities and some smaller counties, and you can visit any office regardless of where you live in the state.
- You will take a written test, vision screening, and photo at the office; bring glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
- A standard driver's license costs $30 and is valid for four years; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $35 and is valid for five years.
- Offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours; check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for your nearest office's schedule.
What documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot use the same document twice—for example, a utility bill counts as residency but not identity.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid state ID from another state, a valid tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you are under 18, a school ID with a photo counts. If you are renewing and your current Kentucky license is not expired, you can use that.
For residency, bring one document dated within 60 days of your visit showing your current Kentucky address: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government letter (such as from the Department of Revenue). A utility bill is the most common choice.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a benefit statement from Social Security or another government program. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Finding the office nearest you
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet maintains a list of all 16 Regional Driver Licensing Offices on its website at transportation.ky.gov. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you, see its hours, and check current wait times at some locations.
Major offices are located in Louisville (multiple locations), Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington, Owensboro, Paducah, Ashland, Corbin, Pikeville, Hazard, and Frankfort. Smaller county offices serve areas including Harlan, Pike, and Lawrence counties. If you live in a rural area, you may need to travel 30 to 60 minutes to reach an office.
Some offices offer limited Saturday hours, typically one Saturday per month. Call ahead or check the website to confirm Saturday availability at your location, as this varies.
Hours and how to prepare for your visit
Most Regional Driver Licensing Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. Check the specific hours for your office on the Transportation Cabinet website before you go.
Bring all three categories of documents in original form—photocopies are not accepted. Bring your Social Security card itself, not a photo of it. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to the office so your vision screening and photo match your actual driving conditions.
Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards. The fee for a standard four-year driver's license is $30. A REAL ID-compliant license, which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry, costs $35 and is valid for five years. You do not have to choose REAL ID now—you can renew as a standard license and upgrade later.
The written test and vision screening
At the office, you will take a written test covering Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you may have to wait and pay the fee again.
The office will also conduct a vision screening to check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be issued a license that day. You can return after seeing an eye doctor and getting a vision correction form if needed.
You will have your photo taken at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will appear on your license for four or five years depending on which type you choose.
Getting your license after approval
If you pass the written test and vision screening, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
The temporary license is valid for driving when ready. You do not need to wait for the plastic card to arrive. If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the office where you applied.
Once your plastic license arrives, keep it with you when you drive. You will also receive a notice of your license number and expiration date in the mail.
If you are renewing or replacing an existing license
If your Kentucky license is still valid and not suspended, you can renew it at any Regional Driver Licensing Office. You will still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and you will retake the written test and vision screening. Renewal costs the same as a new license: $30 for standard or $35 for REAL ID.
If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any office. Bring the same documents as for renewal. A replacement costs $10 if your license is still valid; if it has expired, you pay the full renewal fee.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Division of Driver Licensing to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Kentucky driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, along with your other identity and residency documents. You will still take the written test and vision screening and pay the same fee.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a valid military ID, a valid state ID from another state, or a valid tribal ID instead. If you are under 18, a school photo ID also works. If none of these are available, contact your nearest Regional Driver Licensing Office to discuss other options.
How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass the test?
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days that you can use to drive when ready while you wait for the plastic card.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Visit any Regional Driver Licensing Office with your documents, take the written test and vision screening, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be valid for four or five years from the date you renew.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you will have to wait and pay the fee again. If you fail multiple times, consider studying the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Transportation Cabinet website, before your next attempt.