Where the Lexington Driver's License Office Is Located
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's driver's license office in Lexington is at 200 Mero Street, Lexington, KY 40507. This is the main location where you can renew your license, get a replacement, take the written test, or schedule a road test. The office is in downtown Lexington, and parking is available on the street or in nearby lots.
If you cannot reach the Mero Street location, Kentucky also operates a satellite office at 1050 Red Mile Road in Lexington. The satellite office handles many of the same services but may have different hours. Before you go, check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call ahead to confirm which services are available at each location on the day you plan to visit.
Key Takeaways
- The main Lexington driver's license office is at 200 Mero Street downtown, and a satellite location operates at 1050 Red Mile Road.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to renew or replace your license.
- Hours vary by location and season, so call 502-564-6800 or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you visit.
- Road tests and written tests are scheduled through the office, but you may need to wait weeks for an appointment depending on demand.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office in person, though not all license types are may be able to access for remote renewal.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Kentucky requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the driver's license office. Acceptable forms of identity include a valid passport, military ID, state ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have one of these, the office staff can tell you what alternatives they will accept.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Lexington address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord can work instead.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you are renewing a license you already hold, bring the old license as well. If you are getting a replacement because your license was lost or stolen, you may need to sign a statement at the office confirming that.
Hours and How to Schedule an Appointment
The Lexington driver's license office is open Monday through Friday, though specific hours change seasonally. The main office at 200 Mero Street typically opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., depending on the day. The satellite location at 1050 Red Mile Road may have different hours. Call 502-564-6800 to confirm the current schedule before you go.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are often long, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. Kentucky does not currently offer online appointment scheduling for the Lexington office, so if you want to reduce your wait time, call the office directly and ask whether they are accepting walk-ins or if you should come back on a slower day.
If you need a road test or written test, those are scheduled separately. Tell the staff at the counter that you need a test appointment, and they will give you available dates. Road test appointments often fill weeks in advance, so schedule as early as you can if you have a important date.
Renewing Your License Without Visiting the Office
If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or medical suspensions, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Online renewal is faster and costs less than renewing in person. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Not all license types are may be able to access for online renewal. Commercial driver's licenses, licenses with medical restrictions, and licenses that have been suspended or revoked must be renewed in person at the office. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, start the process on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website — it will tell you whether your license qualifies.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works the same way. You send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment. The office will mail your new license back to you. This option is useful if you prefer not to use the internet or if you do not have a payment card available.
Getting a Replacement License
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Lexington office without retaking any tests. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. If your license was stolen, the office may ask you to sign a statement confirming the loss.
A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. The fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. If you need the replacement urgently, ask the office staff whether they can issue it the same day or whether you will need to wait for it to be mailed to you.
If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you. The office can issue a replacement on the spot in most cases. If your license was destroyed and you cannot bring it, bring any other government-issued ID you have to prove your identity.
Taking Your Written Test or Road Test
If you are getting your first license or if your license has expired for more than three years, you will need to pass both a written test and a road test. The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free on the Transportation Cabinet website and also available in print at the office.
The written test is given on a computer at the office. You will have a set amount of time to answer the questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is a fee for each test attempt.
The road test is scheduled separately and takes place in a vehicle at the office or at a testing location nearby. You will drive on local streets while an examiner watches and scores your performance. Bring your own vehicle or arrange for someone to bring you in a vehicle you are permitted to drive. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license expired more than three years ago, you will need to retake the written test and road test, not just renew. If it expired between one and three years ago, you may be able to renew without testing, but call the office to confirm your specific situation before you visit.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to visit the office in person and bring documentation explaining why you do not have a Social Security number. The staff can tell you what documents they will accept as an alternative. This may include an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or a letter from a government agency.
How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the road test?
If you pass your road test at the office, they will issue your license the same day or mail it to you within a few days. Ask the examiner or the counter staff which option applies to your situation before you leave the office.
Do I need an appointment to take the written test?
You do not need a separate appointment for the written test — you can take it when you visit the office. However, if the office is very busy, you may wait several hours. Call ahead to ask about wait times on the day you plan to visit.
What if I moved to Lexington from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Kentucky license at the Lexington office without retaking tests, as long as your out-of-state license is still valid. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Lexington, and your Social Security number. The process is the same as a renewal.