Where to go for your Owensboro driver's license
The Daviess County Clerk's Office in Owensboro handles Kentucky driver's licenses and ID cards. You cannot get a license at a separate DMV office — Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet processes all licenses through county clerk locations. The Daviess County Clerk's Office is located at 212 St. Ann Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.
You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on state holidays. Call ahead at (270) 685-8424 to confirm current hours or ask about wait times before you go.
Kentucky also allows you to renew certain licenses online or by mail if you meet specific conditions — primarily if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see if your situation qualifies for remote renewal before making the trip to Owensboro.
Key Takeaways
- The Daviess County Clerk's Office at 212 St. Ann Street is the only place in Owensboro where you can get a Kentucky driver's license or state ID.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to obtain a new license.
- Kentucky allows online or mail renewal for licenses expired five years or less with no medical restrictions, which may save you a trip to the clerk's office.
- The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you should call (270) 685-8424 to confirm hours and check wait times.
Documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires specific documents before the clerk's office will issue a license. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and one form of government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license).
You also need proof of Kentucky residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Owensboro address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved to Kentucky, bring documents showing your previous address as well.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you may need fewer documents — the clerk's office can tell you what applies to your situation when you call.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will submit your documents for review. The clerk's staff will verify your identity and residency, take your photograph, and collect the required fee. As of 2024, a standard four-year Kentucky driver's license costs $27.50 for adults, though prices can change. Ask about the current fee when you call to confirm.
You will also take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs, and a vision test. If you are a first-time driver or your license has been suspended or revoked, you may need to pass a driving test as well. The clerk's office can tell you whether a driving test applies to you.
After you pass the tests and your documents are approved, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your Kentucky license expired five years ago or more recently, and you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed, you may renew without visiting the clerk's office. Kentucky's online renewal system is available through the Transportation Cabinet website.
For mail renewal, contact the Daviess County Clerk's Office to request a renewal form. You will complete the form, include your current license, and mail it with the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
If your license has been expired more than five years, or if you have medical restrictions or a vision correction that changed, you must renew in person at the clerk's office.
Special situations: name changes, suspensions, and replacements
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change. The clerk's office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the clerk's office. You must first contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to resolve the suspension or revocation. The clerk can provide information about how to contact the Cabinet, but the suspension must be lifted before a new license can be issued.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the clerk's office. Bring your Social Security card and one form of government-issued photo ID. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal.
Preparing for the written and vision tests
The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Transportation Cabinet website. The manual covers everything tested on the exam.
The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and your license will be marked with that restriction.
If you are nervous about the written test, the clerk's office staff can answer basic questions about the process, though they cannot help you study or tell you the answers to specific test questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses expired five years or less with no medical restrictions or vision corrections. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at the Daviess County Clerk's Office.
How long does it take to get a license after my visit?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit that is valid for driving. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license faster, ask the clerk's office whether expedited mail is an option.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Study the Kentucky Driver's Manual between attempts to improve your score.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. Calling (270) 685-8424 before you go lets you know how busy the office is and whether an appointment slot is available. Some days have shorter waits than others.
What if I moved to Owensboro from another state?
You can convert your out-of-state license to a Kentucky license at the clerk's office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Kentucky residency, and your Social Security card. You will take the written and vision tests, but you may not need to take a driving test if your out-of-state license is valid.