Where to get a Kenton County driver license
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing issues all driver licenses in Kenton County. You cannot get one from a local courthouse or city office — you must go to a state driver licensing office. Kenton County has one main office located in Covington that handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
The Covington office is at 303 Court Street, Covington, KY 41011. You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary by season and staffing. Call ahead at the office or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to confirm current hours before you go, because some locations adjust their schedules without notice.
You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits and mid-week trips tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office in Covington is the only place in Kenton County that issues driver licenses; you must visit in person.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to get a new license.
- A standard driver license costs a set fee that varies depending on whether you are getting a new license, a renewal, or a replacement, and how long you want it to be valid.
- Kentucky offers both a standard driver license and a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025.
- You can renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions, but most first-time licenses and replacements require an in-person visit.
Documents you need for a new license
The state requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Bringing originals is faster than bringing copies, though the office will accept certified copies of some documents.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport or military ID, a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were born is the standard route.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Kenton County address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, can serve as proof.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you have an ITIN instead, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you. The office will not accept a printout from an online account or a photo of your card on your phone.
REAL ID versus standard driver license
Kentucky offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will not accept a standard Kentucky driver license for domestic flights — you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or a military ID.
A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs slightly more than a standard license. The fee difference is small — usually a few dollars — but the process process is identical. You bring the same documents and visit the same office. The main difference is that the state verifies your documents more thoroughly before issuing a REAL ID.
If you are not sure which one you need, ask the staff at the Covington office when you arrive. Most people now get REAL ID licenses because the cost difference is minimal and the federal requirement is already in effect.
Fees and how long a license lasts
Kentucky driver license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard license is cheaper than a REAL ID license. You can choose a license valid for four years or six years; the six-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year.
The exact fee amounts change periodically and vary slightly depending on whether you are getting a new license, a renewal, or a replacement. The Covington office will tell you the current fee when you arrive, or you can call ahead to ask. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — the office accepts all three.
If you lose your license or it is damaged, a replacement costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. Bring your old license if you still have it, or a police report if it was stolen.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
You may be able to renew your Kentucky driver license by mail without visiting the Covington office, but only if you meet specific conditions. You must have a valid, unexpired license; you must not have any medical conditions that require a vision test or doctor's clearance; and you must not have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
To renew by mail, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or read the renewal form from their website. You will mail in your current license, the completed form, and the renewal fee. The state will mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks. This route saves a trip but takes longer than renewing in person, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
If you do not meet the conditions for mail renewal — for example, if you have changed your address or if your license has expired — you must visit the Covington office in person.
What to expect on the day of your visit
Arrive with all your documents in hand. The office staff will check that you have everything, take your photo, and administer a vision test. You will also take a written test on Kentucky traffic laws unless you are renewing a license you already hold. The written test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
If you pass the vision and written tests, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license — it is valid for driving until your permanent one arrives, and some employers and banks will not accept it as proof of identity.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail the vision test, the office will refer you to an eye doctor, and you will need to return with a vision clearance form signed by the doctor before you can get a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Kentucky does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the conditions, or you can visit the Covington office in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license the same day.
What if I moved to Kenton County from another state?
You must get a new Kentucky license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Kenton County, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Kentucky after 30 days, even if it has not expired.
Do I need an eye exam before I go to the office?
No. The office administers a vision screening as part of the license process. If you fail, they will tell you to see an eye doctor and return with a clearance form. You do not need to get an exam beforehand unless you already know you have vision problems.
What if I lost my license and need to drive right away?
Visit the Covington office and request a replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license the same day if you pass the vision test. Your permanent replacement will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your police report if your license was stolen, or just explain that you lost it if you do not have a report.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present for the photo, vision test, and written test. The office will not issue a license without your in-person appearance. You can have someone drive you to the office, but you cannot send them in your place.