Fast and Furious
New Driver’s Licensing Guidelines in Kentucky
Driver licensing services offered by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county will gradually transfer to the Transportation Cabinet’s new network of Driver Licensing Regional Offices by June 30, 2022.
The new licensing model offers more options and modern services, such as online appointment scheduling, your choice of a four or eight-year license, REAL ID licenses, and online license renewal (for cardholders whose name and address haven’t changed). Once your county’s Office of the Circuit Court Clerk stops providing driver licensing services, you will need to visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office to request, renew or replace a driving or identity credential. You may visit any regional office located in select counties across the state. Kentucky State Police will continue to oversee all written and road testing.
KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Offices are open to residents of ANY county.
In May 2023, standard licenses will no longer meet federal REAL ID Act requirements for Kentuckians to board U.S. domestic flights or enter select federal facilities. New security standards for identity credentials were recommended by the 9/11 Commission to prevent the fraudulent use and reproduction of licenses and IDs.
Requirements for Obtaining a Permit / License
- An individual must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a permit/license.
- All new applicants must complete the required written, vision, and skills tests administered by the Kentucky State Police before obtaining a permit/license.
- If the applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Driver’s License/Identification Card application form.
- If the applicant is under 18, a School Compliance Verification form from the student’s school district must be presented. (reference: No Pass/No Drive Law).
- New drivers must pass a vision, written, and skills test to be issued a Driver’s License.
- No tests are required for persons transferring to Kentucky with valid driving privileges, except persons transferring from foreign countries.
- No testing is required for persons suspended for less than one (1) year.
- Eye and written tests are required for drivers suspended for more than one (1) year.
- Any driver suspended or expired for more than five (5) years will start as a new driver.
Visit drive.ky.gov for the most up-to-date information
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This article also appears on page 10 of the 2021 print edition of Lexington Families Guide.
