Lexington has one main driver's license office, plus a few satellite locations with limited hours

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet runs the driver's license office in Lexington. The main office is located at 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. This is where you go for most transactions: getting your first license, renewing, replacing a lost or damaged license, or changing your address.

Lexington also has a satellite office at Beaumont Centre, 3380 Beaumont Centre Boulevard, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40513. This location handles renewals and some other services, but with shorter hours and fewer staff than the main office. If you need a complex transaction or have questions about what you can do at the satellite location, call ahead.

The main office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. The satellite location has different hours — typically Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but these can change. Call 502-564-6800 to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are planning a trip to the satellite office.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Lexington driver's license office is at 200 East Main Street and handles all types of transactions during regular business hours.
  • A satellite office at Beaumont Centre offers renewals and some services with shorter hours, so call ahead to confirm what they can do.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing — a new license requires different paperwork than a renewal.
  • The office does not take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis; you may need to schedule an appointment or arrive early for a number.
  • If you cannot visit in person, Kentucky offers online renewal for some drivers, which you can check on the state website.

What documents to bring to the Lexington office

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a new driver's license, bring a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.

For a renewal, you typically need only your current license and proof of address if your address has changed. If your license expired more than three years ago, you may have to retake the written test. Bring your current license with you either way.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity and proof of address. You do not need to retake the test. If your license was stolen, you may want to bring a police report, though the office does not always require it.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Lexington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not have a bill yet, ask the office what alternatives they will accept.

How to get a number and what to expect when you arrive

When you arrive at the main office on East Main Street, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. The office uses a ticket system, and you wait until your number is called. Arrival time does not may provide how long you will wait — it depends on how many people are ahead of you and how complex their transactions are.

Bring all your documents with you. Have them organized and ready to hand over. The staff will review them, ask you questions about your process, and direct you to the vision and written test area if needed. If you are renewing and have no changes, the process is usually faster than a new license.

The office can be busy during mid-morning and lunch hours. If you can go early (right when they open at 8:00 a.m.) or late in the afternoon, you may wait less. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as those tend to be busier.

Online renewal and when you can skip the office visit

Kentucky allows some drivers to renew their license online without visiting an office. You are may be able to access if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations. You can check whether you are may be able to access on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes. You will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, or if you need to change your address or photograph, you must visit the office in person.

If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to the office. The same applies if you need to update your name, address, or other information on your license.

Fees and payment methods at the Lexington office

Driver's license fees in Kentucky vary depending on what you are doing. A new license costs one amount, a renewal costs less, and a replacement costs another. Fees also depend on how long your license is valid for (typically four or eight years). The office will tell you the exact fee when you check in.

The Lexington office accepts cash and card payments. If you pay by card, they accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Ask at the desk if you have questions about payment before your transaction begins.

If you are getting a new license and need to take the written test, there is no separate test fee — it is included in the license fee. Vision tests are also included.

What to do if you cannot visit the main office

If you live in Lexington but cannot reach the main office on East Main Street, try the satellite location at Beaumont Centre. Call 502-564-6800 first to confirm they can handle your specific transaction, because not all services are available at the satellite office.

If neither location works for you, Kentucky has driver's license offices in other cities. The closest alternatives to Lexington are in Frankfort (about 30 minutes away) and Richmond (about 30 minutes away). You can find a full list of offices and their hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

If you are unable to visit an office in person due to a disability or medical condition, call the main office at 502-564-6800 to ask about accommodations or alternative options. The staff can tell you what is possible in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Lexington office does not take appointments. You arrive, check in at the front desk, and receive a number. You wait until your number is called. During busy times, the wait can be an hour or more.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Kentucky does not offer mail-in renewal for most drivers. You can renew online if you are may be able to access, or you must visit an office in person. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see if you may have access to for online renewal.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find it before I go?

Bring another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the office.

How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?

If you pass the test and complete your process at the office, you receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. Kentucky requires you to pick up your license in person at the office where you applied. Bring your temporary license or ID when you go to collect it.