Real ID requirements will be in place on October 1st, 2021. If you intend to get a REAL ID, you will likely need to visit a DMV in person.

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Important Notice About Real ID Implementation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

No, you do not. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet does not require any driver to file a police report for a lost or stolen drivers license. However, that does not mean that it is not a good idea. The process to file a report is very easy and will only take a short amount of time. All you have to do is visit a local law enforcement office and speak to an officer about what occurred. They will provide you with any necessary paperwork, which will help to later keep track of your Kentucky drivers license.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

In order to obtain a drivers license in Kentucky, residents must pass a road skills and written knowledge exam. The written test features questions on a wide variety of topics. The tests main two focuses are on road regulations of the state of Kentucky and traffic signs. In order to study these vital components of driving, one must obtain a copy of the Kentucky Driver s Manual. Fortunately, you can download your copy online by clicking here.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

How can I renew my drivers license?

In order to renew drivers license credentials in Kentucky, one must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. The process cannot be completed online, by mail or by phone. Once at the Transportation Cabinet location, the driver is responsible for taking the following steps:

  1. Presenting their current KY drivers license
  2. Paying the renewal fee

If the driving license has been expired for more than one year, the applicant will have to take a vision test and a written test.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

How do I apply for a drivers license?

In order to get a driving license in Kentucky, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and follow the steps below:

  1. Pass the written knowledge test to obtain a learners permit.
    • The permit must be held for at least 180 days without any moving violations.
  2. Pass a vision screening.
  3. Pass the road skills driving exam.
  4. Complete a Driver License/ID Card Application TC 94-30.
    • This form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if the driver is under 18.
  5. Obtain a School Compliance Verification form.
    • Drivers under the age of 18 must take a drivers ed course before obtaining a full unrestricted license.
  6. Provide the following documents to a Circuit Court Clerk s office representative:
    • Proof of residency, such as:
      • Mortgage bills
      • Phone bills
      • Birth certificate
      • Social Security card

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

How do I get a hardship license?

If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Kentucky, your drivers license will be suspended. However, that does not mean that you will not have any options for getting you from one place to another. You can apply for a hardship license, which will give you the privilege to drive to certain locations, such as:

  • Your work
  • Your school
  • The institution of a court-mandated course or program
  • The hospital

As for how you can apply for this credential, all a driver must do is fill out an Application for Hardship Driver’s License AOC-492. Once they submit this form, they will be considered for a hardship license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Residents within the state of Kentucky are required to replace drivers license credentials in person. The process cannot be completed in any other way, such as online, by mail, by phone or by fax. The Transportation Cabinet mandates that these drivers visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office no matter what the circumstance. Thus, if you are a member of the military and are stationed out of state, the best thing you can do is contact your local Circuit Court Clerk s office. Speak to a representative and provide the specific details of your situation to see if you are eligible to apply by mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

The process of applying for a duplicate drivers license in Kentucky is very easy. All a resident driver needs to do is follow a few steps:

  1. Visit a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office.
  2. Provide a representative with the following documents:
    • Birth certificate
    • Social Security card
    • Proof of legal address, such as:
      • Mortgage documents
      • Utility bills
  3. Pay the applicable fee

Drivers over 21 will be able to undergo drivers license renewal if their credentials were lost within six months of the expiration date.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

If you accumulate too many points on your drivers license, such as 12 points within two years (or seven points for drivers less than 18), you will receive a notice from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet about your drivers license suspension. Fortunately, the process to reinstate your license after this removal of driving privileges is simple follow the steps below:

  1. Wait out the suspension period.
  2. Provide proof of financial responsibility, if applicable.
  3. Pay the reinstatement fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

If you need to reinstate suspended drivers license credentials, the process varies based on the offense that was committed. The standard steps for reinstatement are as follows:

  1. Wait for the suspension period to end.
    • This step is not necessary if you were suspended for child support or fee-related issues.
  2. Obtain the minimum Kentucky car insurance, if you were suspended for not having coverage.
  3. Enroll in an alcohol education course, if applicable.
  4. Pay the reinstatement fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Given the state of Kentucky s requirement to renew drivers license credentials in person, it is understandable why military personnel may feel uneasy. However, there is no need to worry about not being able to renew your documents if you are out of state. The KY Transportation Cabinet allows drivers such as yourself the chance to undergo drivers license renewal by mail. To do so, mail your request and payment to a Circuit Court Clerk s office. In any case, it is important to remember that drivers who are not stationed out of state are still required to come in person for driving license renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

Non-United States citizens are required to go through the same steps as citizens when it comes to replacing drivers license documents in Kentucky. Only the necessary documentation differs between the two.

Non-citizens must follow the steps below:

  1. Visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office in the area.
  2. Provide the following documents:
    • Social Security card, proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration or Tax ID number
    • Proof of legal address, such as:
      • Mortgage documents
      • Utility bills
    • All applicable Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services documents, such as:
      • Visa with I-94
      • Employment Authorization Card (I-688A, I688B or I-766)
      • I-94 with a stamped picture
  3. Pay the applicable renewal or replacement fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is considerably different than many others state DMVs. Whereas other states allow for drivers license replacements to be applied for and sent by mail, Kentucky does not. All applicants, no matter what their situation, are required to report in person to request a duplicate drivers license. Rather than apply by mail or online, these drivers must visit a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

Vision is a very important part of driving. If you cannot see well enough to avoid an accident or pay attention to signs, you are a liability to have on the roads of Kentucky. Thus, the KY Transportation Cabinet requires all residents to pass a vision test before obtaining a new KY drivers license. If your vision is not considered sufficient, you will be asked to retake the test with correctional lenses. Fortunately, the KY DMV allows you to check your vision online with the Eye Test tool.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

The length of time an operator s Kentucky drivers license will be suspended in this case varies depending on the situation. For instance, if this is the first time you have refused a chemical test, you will incur a license revocation of at least 30 days. For a second offense, the penalty is a one-year revocation. And finally, for a third refusal to take a chemical test, the revocation lasts a minimum of two years. Additionally, if you are convicted of driving under the influence in any of these situations, the penalties will increase.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

Every drivers license in Kentucky has a timeframe for renewal. All drivers who received their license after their 21st birthday must renew after four years. Residents have the opportunity to complete the drivers license renewal process up to six months in advance of the expiration date. However, those drivers who were under 21 when they received their license must wait until after their 21st birthday to renew. Their KY drivers licenses expire 90 days after they become 21.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

No. The fee for obtaining a Kentucky drivers license replacement will not be waived in this situation. First of all, the Transportation Cabinet of Kentucky does not require drivers to report stolen drivers licenses. Thus, because it is not considered necessary by the department, the Transportation Cabinet will not waive your fee. However, you should still consider filing a report in order to keep your identity secure. By informing the local authorities about your problem, they will be able to monitor the situation and let you know if anything turns up.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

No, there is not. Age limits are nonexistent when it comes to renewing drivers license credentials in Kentucky. As long as you have a valid operator s driving license, you can renew the documentation when the time comes. The only instances in which age plays a factor are as follows:

  • If you received your KY drivers license when you were under 21, you must renew it 90 days after your 21st birthday.
  • If you received your license once you were 21 or older, then it must be renewed after four years.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides drivers with only one means of replacing drivers license credentials. These residents are only allowed to apply in person at a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office. When applying in person, a duplicate drivers license is issued immediately.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?

Seniors in the state of Kentucky are required to go through the same process as non-seniors when applying to renew drivers license credentials. This means that they must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office and provide all of the necessary documentation. In terms of the documents one must bring to the office, these include the following:

  • Your current KY drivers license
  • Your Social Security card
  • Your birth certificate
  • Proof of KY residency:

o Utility bills

o Phone bills

  • Payment for the fee

The drivers license renewal process cannot be completed online, by mail or by phone.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

In the state of Kentucky, there are a number of ways that you can get your license suspended. In terms of the most common reasons for incurring a suspended drivers license, they are as follows:

Committing any of the above violations will result in the suspension of your driving privileges. However, there are options available to you for getting from one place to another.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

There are many different ways for a driver to be slapped with a drivers license suspension. Regardless of the offense that brought on this charge, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requires that all offenders abide by the terms of their suspension. Drivers who choose to operate a vehicle with a suspended drivers license will incur additional penalties. These punishments will include an extension on their suspension, additional fines and imprisonment.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

The fees that one must pay in order to replace drivers license credentials vary based on the situation. First of all, if your drivers license was lost, stolen or destroyed, you will have to get a replacement. The standard price for a drivers license replacement is $12. However, if one of the aforementioned situations occurred and you are within six months of the license expiration, then you can renew your documents instead. The price for drivers license renewal in Kentucky is $20.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

If you are convicted of driving under the influence, your license will be suspended. The same thing goes if you have accumulated too many traffic violations. In any case, it is your responsibility as a driver to reinstate suspended drivers license credentials. One of the most important steps in this process is to pay the reinstatement fee. In the state of Kentucky, the reinstatement fee is a flat charge of $40, which must be paid at a local Circuit Court Clerk s office or at a Driver Licensing Regional Field Office location.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

In the state of Kentucky, a drivers license suspension does not always mean a complete removal of your driving privileges. There are instances in which you can obtain a hardship license which will allow you to operate a vehicle for the following reasons:

  • For work
  • For school
  • For medical care
  • For attending a court-mandated course or program

As for the suspensions eligible for this license, they are all DUI-related. Thus, if you are charged with driving under the influence in Kentucky, it is recommended that you fill out an Application for Hardship Driver’s License AOC-492.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

To obtain a driving license in Kentucky, one must pass a written test, a road skills test and a vision screening. If the driver fails the written exam, he or she must schedule a retake. The same thing goes for drivers who fail their road skills driving test. It is still required that they pass this exam before obtaining an intermediate or full drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requires that drivers bring a number of documents when they go to apply for a license to drive. To make sure that you bring all of the necessary information, bring all of the documents below:

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

Drivers are required to renew their driving licenses in person within the state of Kentucky. This must be done at a Circuit Court Clerk s office. Once there, the driver in question is required to present certain documentation. Fortunately, all that you need to bring is your current drivers license and payment for the KY drivers license renewal fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

Residents of the state of Kentucky are only required to present a few documents when they go to request a duplicate drivers license. These documents include:

  • A birth certificate
  • A Social Security card
  • Proof of legal address, such as:
    • Mortgage documents
    • Utility bills

These documents must be presented at a local Circuit Court Clerk s office. The process to obtain a Kentucky drivers license replacement cannot be completed by mail, online or by any other means.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

In order to obtain a driving permit in Kentucky, one must take the written knowledge exam. Fortunately, it is available to both citizens and non-citizens. All of the different languages available for the exam are as follows:

  • ​Albanian
  • ​Arabic
  • ​Bosnian ​
  • Cambodian
  • ​Chinese ​
  • Croatian
  • ​English ​
  • French ​
  • German​ ​
  • Indian (Hindi)
  • ​Japanese ​
  • Korean
  • ​Laotian
  • ​Persian
  • ​Polish ​
  • Romanian ​
  • Russian ​
  • Somali
  • ​Spanish ​
  • Thai ​
  • Turkish
  • ​​Vietnamese ​ ​

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

Most states make drivers pay late fees for an offense such as this one. However, the state of Kentucky does not give the same punishments as many other states when it comes to failing to renew drivers license documents. It simply requires those drivers that wait an extended period of time (more than one year) to undergo testing. Drivers with expired drivers license of more than one year will have to pass a vision screening, then retake and pass the written knowledge exam.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

If a driver wants to obtain a license to drive in Kentucky, he or she must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. Once here, the driver must provide a variety of documents and payment. Then, he or she is required to take three crucial exams to determine whether or not they will receive driving credentials. These tests include:

  • A vision test, to make sure that the driver has adequate vision.
  • A written test,to make sure that the driver has sufficient knowledge of the roads.
  • A road skills test, to make sure that the driver has the necessary skills to drive.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issues a variety of different drivers licenses. These include both commercial and non-commercial credentials. If you are a standard driver who seeks a non-commercial license, you must apply for a Class D Kentucky driving license. These cards are given to drivers who operate passenger vehicles, station wagons, pickups, utility vehicles and most kinds of panel trucks. Additionally, these licenses can only operate vehicles that weigh less than 26,001pounds.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

The timeframe for reinstating suspended drivers license credentials varies based on the circumstances. Some Kentucky drivers license suspensions can be ended immediately, while drivers in other situations are required to wait at least one year before reinstatement. Some of the most common offenses and reinstatement times can be seen in the list below:

  • If your driving privileges were suspended because you did not pay a fine or child support, you can reinstate by paying the applicable fees.
  • If your driving privileges were suspended because you were caught without proper car insurance, then (in most cases) you can reinstate by showing proof of coverage.
  • If your driving privileges were suspended because you accrued too many points for violations, then you must wait the designated period of time given by the KY Transportation Cabinet.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

When will I need to renew my license?

Residents of the state of Kentucky have a timeframe for renewing drivers license documents. This window varies based on your situation:

  • If you were under the age of 21 when you received your Kentucky driving license, you need to renew it after your 21st birthday, as it expires 90 days afterwards.
  • If you were over the age of 21 when you received your last license, it will expire four years after its issuance, 31 days after your birthday.

Drivers who are 21 or over can renew drivers license credentials up to six months in advance.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

Due to the fact that drivers license replacements must be ordered in person, there is no waiting time associated with the process. Drivers with lost, stolen or destroyed Kentucky driving licenses will receive their duplicates immediately. The only exception in this case involves military members, who are eligible to apply by mail. These drivers will have to wait longer to receive their credentials, with no specific processing or delivery times.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Kentucky Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

In the event of a Kentucky drivers license suspension, the Transportation Cabinet will give the driver notice of the hold on their driving privileges. However, if you are not sure if your license has been suspended and need to find out as soon as possible, there is one simple and effective way you can do so. You can order your driving record. This record is a transcript of all of your driving history, including suspensions, revocations and cancellations. Additionally, these reports also feature record of accidents and violations.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Kentucky

Where can I get a new drivers license?

In order to obtain a drivers license in Kentucky, one must apply in person. Drivers license applications cannot be submitted by mail, online or by phone. As for the specific locations that you need to visit to submit the necessary forms, one must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. These offices are located all across the state of Kentucky for the convenience of residents.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

The vision test requirement depends on your situation. Only certain drivers will be asked to complete this examination during the Kentucky drivers license renewal process. The main instance in which this is necessary occurs when a driver has a driving license that has been expired for more than one year. In this case, a vision test is required. Additionally, this driver will also have to take and pass the written knowledge test again.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

Unlike many other states, Kentucky does not offer the option to renew drivers license documents by mail. All drivers license renewals must be completed at a Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk s office. Thus, the Transportation Cabinet does not send out renewal notices that can be mailed right back with payment. In any case, it is easy to keep track of your renewal due date. If you were younger than 21 when you received your license, your credentials expire 90 days after your 21st birthday. Otherwise, your over-21 license is set to expire four years after its issuance, 31 days after your birthday.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Kentucky