Where to go for your Floyd County driver's license

The Floyd County Clerk's Office in Prestonsburg handles Kentucky driver's licenses for Floyd County residents. The office is located at 110 Main Street, Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653. This is the same office that issues state ID cards, handles vehicle registration, and processes other DMV-related documents for the county.

You do not need to go to a separate "DMV" office — Kentucky's driver's license services run through the county clerk system. The Prestonsburg location serves all of Floyd County, so if you live anywhere in the county, this is where you'll go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Floyd County Clerk's Office at 110 Main Street in Prestonsburg issues driver's licenses and state IDs for all Floyd County residents.
  • You will need a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed process form before you visit.
  • Bring your current license if you are renewing, or bring a passport or military ID if you are getting your first license.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day, so calling ahead at the clerk's office can help you plan when to visit.

Documents you need to bring

Kentucky requires specific documents no matter whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work.

Bring one document that proves where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. The address on this document should match the address you put on your process.

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license. If you are getting your first Kentucky license, bring a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license instead. You will also need to fill out Form DL 44 (the process for a driver's license) before you arrive, or you can fill it out at the office.

The vision test and written exam

The Floyd County Clerk's Office will give you a vision screening at your appointment. You do not need to study for this — it straightforward checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If you are getting your first Kentucky license, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the clerk's office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

If you are renewing your license and have not had any violations, you may not need to retake the written test. Ask the clerk when you call or arrive.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Kentucky driver's license costs $20. A six-year license costs $30. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $10. The clerk's office accepts cash and card payments — ask which cards they take when you call.

Fees can change, so call the Floyd County Clerk's Office before you go to confirm the current cost for what you need. Senior citizens (age 65 and older) may pay a reduced fee, so mention your age when you call.

How long the process takes

The entire appointment usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though this depends on how busy the office is that day. The written test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The vision screening takes a few minutes. The clerk processes your paperwork and takes your photo, which takes another 10 to 15 minutes.

Your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days. Ask the clerk whether you can pick it up in person or whether it will be mailed to you. If you need your license right away for work or travel, ask whether the office can print a temporary license on the spot.

Hours and how to contact the office

The Floyd County Clerk's Office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but hours can vary by season and staffing. Call the office directly at the main Floyd County Clerk number to confirm hours before you visit. You can also ask about current wait times when you call.

Some county clerk offices allow you to schedule an appointment in advance, which can shorten your wait. Ask whether the Prestonsburg office takes appointments or operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you cannot visit in person

Kentucky does not allow you to renew a driver's license entirely by mail or online. You must visit the clerk's office in person for a vision test and photo. However, some counties offer limited services by mail for certain renewals — call the Floyd County Clerk's Office to ask whether your situation qualifies.

If you live out of state or cannot travel to Prestonsburg, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no violations. The clerk can tell you whether this option is available for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Kentucky allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you have travel plans or want to avoid a long wait closer to your expiration date. Bring your current license and the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics or from the county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, call the Floyd County Clerk's Office to ask whether they accept other documents as proof of identity, such as a passport or military discharge papers.

Do I need to take the written test again if I'm renewing?

Not always. If you are renewing a valid license and have no violations, you may skip the written test. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, or if you have had violations, you may need to retake it. The clerk will tell you when you arrive.

Can I get a Real ID at the Floyd County Clerk's Office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal-compliant driver's license that you can use for air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs a bit more than a standard license and requires one additional document proving your address. Ask about Real ID when you call or visit.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license that day. You can get glasses or contacts and return to retake the test. Some offices allow you to come back the same week. Bring your new glasses or contacts prescription when you return.