Where to go for your driver license in Mayfield

The Mayfield Regional Driver Licensing Office is located at 205 Pryor Street, Mayfield, KY 42066. This is the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office that issues and renews driver licenses for Graves County residents. You can reach them by phone at (270) 247-2722 to ask about wait times or specific requirements before you visit.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours may vary seasonally. Call ahead if you are planning to visit on a Friday or near a holiday, as the office sometimes closes early or stays closed for state holidays. If you cannot visit Mayfield, other regional offices in western Kentucky include locations in Paducah and Princeton, though Mayfield is the closest option for most Graves County residents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mayfield Regional Driver Licensing Office at 205 Pryor Street issues new licenses and handles renewals for Graves County residents.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to obtain a license.
  • Kentucky offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant driver licenses; the REAL ID version costs more but works for federal air travel and some government buildings.
  • Renewal by mail is available in Kentucky if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
  • Vision tests are required at the office, and you must pass a written test and driving test if you are obtaining a license for the first time.

Documents you need to bring

Kentucky requires specific documents before the Mayfield office will issue or renew your license. Bring one primary form of identification such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or an existing Kentucky driver license. If you do not have a primary ID, you can use two secondary forms such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.

You also need proof that you live in Kentucky. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo of the bill on your phone is not accepted. Finally, have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents as well.

Standard license versus REAL ID

Kentucky offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The standard license works for driving and most everyday purposes. The REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering military bases, federal courthouses, and boarding domestic flights.

Both licenses cost the same to obtain initially, but REAL ID renewal costs slightly more — the difference is a few dollars depending on your license class. If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, the REAL ID is worth the small additional cost. You can choose which type when you visit the Mayfield office or renew online.

Getting a license for the first time

If you have never held a Kentucky driver license, you must pass a written test and a driving test at the Mayfield office. The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Kentucky Driver Manual, which is available free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Most people schedule the written test first, then schedule the driving test for a later date once they pass.

Before either test, you will take a vision screening at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You must score at least 80 percent on the written test to pass. The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle registered in your name or someone else's name (with their permission) to the driving test.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your Kentucky driver license is still valid and expires within the next 60 days, you can renew by mail without visiting the Mayfield office. You will need to complete the renewal form (available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address on the form. Renewal by mail takes about two to three weeks.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need to update your address or name. In those cases, you must visit the Mayfield office in person. In-person renewal is faster — you can usually complete it in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is that day.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees in Kentucky depend on your age and the type of license. A standard four-year license for someone under 65 costs one amount; a standard eight-year license costs more. REAL ID licenses cost a few dollars extra. Senior licenses (for drivers 65 and older) are cheaper. The Mayfield office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office does not accept credit cards by mail. Call (270) 247-2722 to confirm the exact fee for your situation before you visit or mail in your renewal, as fees can change and vary based on your license class and age.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Kentucky license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Mayfield office. Suspensions and revocations are usually the result of unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, complete a DUI program, or wait out the suspension period — before the office can issue a new license.

Contact the Mayfield office or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions are automatic once you meet the requirements; others require you to file paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee. The office staff can walk you through the process when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new driver license in Mayfield?

If you are renewing an existing license in person, the process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If you are obtaining a license for the first time and need to take the written and driving tests, plan for two separate visits — the written test takes about 30 minutes, and the driving test takes 20 to 30 minutes. By mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Kentucky does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid, or you must visit the Mayfield office in person. Some services like address changes can be handled by phone or mail, so call (270) 247-2722 to ask if your specific need can be handled without a visit.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake either test, usually within a few days. There is a small fee each time you retake a test. The Mayfield office will tell you when you can schedule your next attempt. Most people pass on the second or third try, especially if they study the Kentucky Driver Manual between attempts.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Mayfield office?

The Mayfield office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments for most services. However, call (270) 247-2722 to ask if appointments are available for your specific need, as this can vary. Arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Visit the Mayfield office with your identification and proof of residency to request a replacement. There is a small fee for a duplicate license. The office will issue a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original. If you believe your license was used fraudulently, report it to the office when you explore for the replacement.