Where to go for your driver's license in Elizabethtown

The Elizabethtown Regional Office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is where you obtain your driver's license. It is located at 410 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY 42701. This is the only office in Elizabethtown that issues licenses; you cannot get one at a county clerk's office or through the mail in Kentucky.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change seasonally, so call ahead at (270) 769-8000 to confirm before you go. The office does not take appointments, so you should expect to wait, especially on Fridays and early in the month.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Elizabethtown Regional Office in person; Kentucky does not issue licenses by mail or online.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence with your current address.
  • A written test and vision screening happen at the office; a road test is scheduled separately at a different location if you are a new driver.
  • Fees vary by license type and duration: a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license, and commercial licenses cost more.
  • Processing takes about 30 minutes at the office, but your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need to bring

Kentucky requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence. You cannot get a license without all three, so check before you go.

Proof of identity means a current or expired U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or permanent resident card. A school ID or work badge does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified (raised seal), the office will not accept it.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A paystub with your full SSN printed on it also works. You do not need to bring the original; a copy is fine.

Proof of residence must show your current Elizabethtown address and your name. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A cell phone bill does not count.

The written test and vision screening

If you are a new driver or renewing after your license expired more than three years ago, you take a written test at the office. The test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The manual is also available in Spanish.

You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, but you must wait at least one hour. If you fail twice, you must wait one week before trying again.

Everyone takes a vision screening at the office, even if you are renewing. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day; you must see an eye doctor and return with documentation of your vision correction.

The road test for new drivers

If you are getting your first license or your license has been expired for more than three years, you must pass a road test. The office does not conduct road tests on-site; instead, they schedule you at a separate testing facility. The closest facility to Elizabethtown is in Bowling Green, about 30 miles away.

You receive your road test appointment by mail after you pass the written test and vision screening at the Elizabethtown office. The appointment typically comes within two to four weeks. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). A licensed adult can ride with you during the test, but they cannot help you drive.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must pass to get your license. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but there is a fee each time.

License types and fees

Kentucky offers several license types, and the fee depends on which one you choose and how long you want it to last. A standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs less than a commercial license. You can choose a five-year or ten-year license; the ten-year option costs more upfront but is cheaper per year.

If you are under 21, your license has different restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift at 21 or after six months, whichever comes later.

A Real ID-compliant license costs a few dollars more than a standard license but is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Most people now get the Real ID version automatically. If you do not want it, you must ask the clerk, but you will need it eventually.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test and vision screening (and road test, if required), the office issues you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, but delays happen during busy periods or holidays.

Do not throw away your temporary license. You need it to drive legally until the plastic license arrives. If the plastic license does not arrive within two weeks, call the Elizabethtown office to check the status. If it is lost in the mail, the office can reissue it, but there is a replacement fee.

Your license is valid for five or ten years from the date of issue, depending on which you chose. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before it expires. You can renew online if you have not had any address changes and your vision and medical status have not changed; otherwise, you must return to the office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. You must surrender your out-of-state license when you explore for a Kentucky license. You do not need to take the written test if your out-of-state license is current and you have held it for at least one year, but you still take the vision screening. If your out-of-state license is expired, you must take the written test.

What if I fail the vision test?

You cannot get a license that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription or vision correction documentation, and return to the office with proof. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return. The office will recheck your vision at no extra charge.

How much does a Kentucky driver's license cost?

Fees vary by license type and duration. A five-year Class D license costs less than a ten-year license. Real ID-compliant licenses cost a few dollars more. Call the Elizabethtown office at (270) 769-8000 for current fees, as they change periodically.

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and your vision and medical status have not changed. Otherwise, you must renew in person at the Elizabethtown office. The office website has a tool to check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.

What if I need a license urgently?

The office processes licenses the same day you explore, but your plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic arrives, use your temporary paper license. There is no way to expedite the mailing, but you can call the office to confirm it was sent.