Where to go for your Elizabethtown driver's license

The Elizabethtown Regional Office of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is where you get your driver's license in Elizabethtown. The office is located at 410 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY 42701. This is the only place in Elizabethtown that issues new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot renew or replace your license online in Kentucky, so you must visit in person. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn — arrival time varies depending on how busy the office is that day.

If you cannot reach the Elizabethtown office, you can also visit any other Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regional office across the state. However, the Elizabethtown location is the most convenient if you live or work in the area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Elizabethtown Regional Office at 410 West Dixie Avenue is the local place to get a new driver's license, renewal, or replacement.
  • You must bring a valid Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and does not take appointments — arrive early if you want a shorter wait.
  • A new driver's license costs $20 and is valid for four years; a renewal costs $20 and is valid for four years.
  • If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian and a completed form DL 44 (process for Driver's License).

Documents you need to bring

Kentucky requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals, not copies — the staff will not accept photocopies.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are renewing an expired Kentucky license, that license counts as proof of identity.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return also works.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Kentucky address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and take your photograph. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, though the wait time before that varies.

You will take a written test on Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Study materials are available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

If you are a new driver (not renewing), you will also take a vision test and a driving test. The driving test happens in a separate area with an examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Cost and how long it takes

A new driver's license costs $20 and is valid for four years. A renewal also costs $20 and is valid for four years. A replacement (if your license is lost or stolen) costs $10. Kentucky does not accept credit cards at the Elizabethtown office — bring cash or a debit card.

You receive your license the same day you pass the test and complete the process. The staff will hand you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. The plastic card usually arrives within two weeks.

If you are under 18

Drivers under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian to the office. The parent or guardian must sign the process form and provide their own proof of identity and residency. You will receive a Graduated Driver's License (GDL), which has restrictions on when and where you can drive.

A GDL is valid for four years and costs $20. During the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle. After six months, you can drive until 1:00 a.m. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the GDL for 12 months, whichever comes first.

If you are renewing an expired license

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it at the Elizabethtown office without retaking the written test or driving test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of identity if your expired license is still valid as identification.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must retake the written test and driving test as if you were a new driver. Bring all three categories of documents listed above.

If you lost or damaged your license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Elizabethtown office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A replacement costs $10 and is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date — you do not get a fresh four-year term.

You do not need to retake any tests for a replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic replacement card within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Kentucky does not offer mail-in or online renewal. You must visit the Elizabethtown Regional Office or another Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office in person. However, if your license is not expired and you only need to update your address, you can do that by mail — contact the office for the form.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test when ready at no extra cost. You have up to three attempts in one day. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again. Study the Kentucky Driver's Manual before you return — it covers all the questions on the test.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Elizabethtown office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, check in, and wait your turn. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than late afternoon or Friday.

What if I move out of Elizabethtown after I get my license?

Your Kentucky license is valid anywhere in Kentucky and nationwide. You do not need to update it if you move within Kentucky. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state — the timeline and requirements vary by state.

Can I get a Real ID at the Elizabethtown office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal identification standard required for air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs $20 and requires the same documents as a regular license, plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The Real ID is marked with a gold star in the top right corner.