What you need to bring to the Kentucky DMV
To get a new Kentucky driver's license, you will need to visit a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing office in person with specific documents. The state requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — and each category has real documents that count.
For identity, bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Kentucky address.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Licensing office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Kentucky residency.
- The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official manual free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
- The road test happens after you pass the written test and get a learner's permit, and you must bring a vehicle registered in Kentucky with a licensed adult in the car.
- A standard Kentucky driver's license costs around $20 to $30 and is valid for four or eight years depending on your age.
- If you already have a license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still take the road test.
The written test and learner's permit
After you turn in your documents, you will take a written test at the Driver Licensing office. The test has 40 questions about Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The questions come from the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which you can read free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you go.
If you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit on the same day. This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You must keep the permit with you whenever you drive. Most people hold a learner's permit for at least a few weeks before taking the road test, though there is no required waiting period.
If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
The road test and what happens after
Once you have your learner's permit, you can schedule a road test at any Driver Licensing office. During the test, an examiner will ride with you in a vehicle and watch you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers both city and highway driving.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Kentucky, has valid insurance, and passes a safety inspection. A licensed adult must be in the car with you during the test, though they will sit in the back seat. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days.
When you pass the road test, you will receive your Kentucky driver's license at the office. If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have passengers under 18 in the car for the first year. These restrictions lift on your 18th birthday or after the time period ends, whichever comes first.
Cost and how long the license lasts
A Kentucky driver's license costs between $20 and $30, depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday regardless of which length you choose, so many younger drivers pick the four-year option to save money.
You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the Driver Licensing office. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead if you plan to use one.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Kentucky, you do not have to take the written test again. You will still need to visit a Driver Licensing office with the same documents — proof of identity, Social Security number, and Kentucky residency — and you will still take the road test.
Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you will need to take the written test. Bring your current out-of-state license with you to the office.
Finding the Driver Licensing office nearest you
Kentucky has Driver Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you and its hours on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Check the office's page on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see whether you need an appointment or can just show up. During busy times of year — often late spring and early summer — wait times can be long, so going early in the morning or on a weekday may be faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Driver Licensing office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You will need to visit an office to get your learner's permit before you can take the road test.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as many times as you need. Most offices let you schedule another test within a few days. You will need to pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Your learner's permit stays valid while you are preparing to retake the test.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
No, a driver's education course is not required to get a Kentucky driver's license. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved course may lower your car insurance rates. Check with your insurance company to see whether they offer a discount for completing a course.
What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?
You can get a replacement at any Driver Licensing office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee, which is usually around $10 to $15. You do not need to retake any tests.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Kentucky driver's license up to one year before it expires. You can renew in person at a Driver Licensing office or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for the mail renewal form and instructions.