Where to go for your driver's license in Paducah
In Paducah, you get your driver's license at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing branch. The main office is located at 1694 Mayfield Road, Paducah, KY 42003. This is the only place in Paducah where you can take the written test, the vision test, and the driving test, or renew an existing license.
You do not need an appointment for most transactions, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can call ahead at the Paducah branch to ask about current wait times before you go.
The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. If you cannot make it during these hours, there are no evening or extended-hour options at this location.
Key Takeaways
- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office at 1694 Mayfield Road is the only place in Paducah to take tests or renew your license in person.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- A new driver's license costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license; renewal costs $20 for four years or $30 for eight years.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test.
- You can renew your license by mail if you have a valid Kentucky license and meet certain conditions, which saves you a trip to the office.
What documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have all three, the office will not issue or renew your license.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a state ID from another state. If you are renewing and your current Kentucky license is still valid, that counts as proof of identity on its own.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your Paducah address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Kentucky.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you have an ITIN instead, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. You do not need to bring the original — a copy is acceptable.
Getting your first driver's license in Kentucky
If you have never held a Kentucky driver's license, you must follow a three-step process. First, you take the written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free on the Transportation Cabinet website. The written test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit. With this permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You must hold this permit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you are required to complete a driver education course if you are under 18; if you are 18 or older, the course is not required but is recommended.
After 180 days, you return to the office to take the road test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, park, and follow traffic laws. If you pass, you receive your driver's license on the same day.
The entire process typically takes several months because of the 180-day waiting period. Plan ahead if you need a license by a specific date.
Renewing your Kentucky driver's license
If your Kentucky driver's license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the written or road test. You straightforward pay the renewal fee and provide updated information if anything has changed — such as your address or name.
You have two options: renew in person at the Paducah office, or renew by mail. Renewing by mail is faster and requires no trip to the office. To renew by mail, your current license must not be expired, and you must not have any medical conditions that would require a new vision or written test. You fill out the renewal form, include a new photo (which you can take yourself at home), and mail everything to the address on the form along with your fee. Processing takes about two weeks.
If you renew in person, you will need to provide your documents again and may be asked to retake the vision test. The renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait time, and you receive your new license the same day.
Cost and license validity periods
A new driver's license in Kentucky costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. Renewal costs the same. You choose the length when you explore or renew. The eight-year license is more expensive but means you will not need to renew as often.
Your license is valid for the number of years you choose, starting from the date it is issued. When it expires, you must renew it before you can legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and replacements
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can update your name when you renew or by visiting the office with the document and your current license.
If you move to a new address in Kentucky, you must update your address within 10 days. You can do this in person at the Paducah office or by mail using the address change form on the Transportation Cabinet website. There is no fee for an address change.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Paducah office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for a new license. A replacement costs $20 for four years or $30 for eight years.
Vision and medical requirements
Kentucky requires all drivers to pass a vision test. During your test at the Paducah office, you will read an eye chart from a specific distance. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test, and your license will note that you must wear them while driving.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain heart conditions — you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor. The Transportation Cabinet will tell you if this is necessary based on your answers to health questions on the process form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Kentucky does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail or in person at the Paducah office. Mail renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the Kentucky Driver's Manual more carefully.
Do I need to take a road test if I have a license from another state?
If you move to Kentucky and want to convert your out-of-state license to a Kentucky license, you do not need to retake the written or road test. You straightforward bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Kentucky, and proof of your Social Security number to the Paducah office, and they will issue you a Kentucky license.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?
You receive your license the same day you pass the road test. The office prints it on-site before you leave. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery.
What if I cannot make it during office hours?
The Paducah office does not have evening or weekend hours beyond Saturday morning until noon. If you cannot visit during these times, you may be able to renew by mail if you meet the conditions, which requires no office visit at all.