Where to go for your driver's license in Paducah
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing runs the driver's license office in Paducah. You'll go to the Paducah Regional Office, located at 3420 Buckner Lane, Paducah, KY 42001. This is the only full-service office in McCracken County where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot renew online if you need a new photo, so an in-person visit is required for most first-time licenses and renewals after your photo expires.
Key Takeaways
- The Paducah Regional Office at 3420 Buckner Lane is the only place in McCracken County to get a new driver's license or renew in person.
- You must bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation of it.
- Kentucky driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew by mail if you have not changed your address or appearance since your last license.
- The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment system, so arrive early during busy times.
- You will take a vision test and written test on-site; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
What documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires specific documents before you can get a driver's license. Bring one form of valid identification — a passport, military ID, or previous Kentucky driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.
You also need proof of residency in Kentucky. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Finally, bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card itself. If you cannot produce your number, bring documentation like a W-2 form or tax return.
If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you can mail in your renewal instead of visiting in person. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will send you renewal forms in the mail before your license expires.
Taking the written and vision tests
When you arrive at the Paducah office, you will take a written test on Kentucky traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study the official Kentucky Driver's Manual online at the Transportation Cabinet website before you go.
You will also take a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot receive your license until you return with a vision correction form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
The written test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the Paducah office ahead of time at (270) 444-8719 to ask whether an interpreter is available.
How long the process takes and what happens next
The entire visit — paperwork, tests, and photo — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. There is no appointment system, so you may wait longer during lunch hours or late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
After you pass the tests and your photo is taken, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive without your temporary license during this period.
Your new Kentucky driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew by mail starting 180 days before your license expires, as long as your address and appearance have not changed significantly.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
If your license is not yet expired and you have not moved or changed your appearance, you can renew by mail without visiting the office. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will mail you a renewal notice and form about 180 days before your license expires. Complete the form, include the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address on the form.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the Cabinet receives your form. Your temporary paper license will be mailed to you first, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license follows. You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo — that requires an in-person visit.
Fees and payment methods
A new Kentucky driver's license costs $20 for an eight-year license. Renewal by mail or in person costs the same. The Paducah office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
If you are under 21, your license costs $15 and is valid for four years. Military members on active duty may be may be able to access for a fee waiver — ask at the office if this applies to you.
What to do if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after reviewing the material more carefully.
The Kentucky Driver's Manual is free online and covers everything on the test. You can also find practice tests on the Transportation Cabinet website to study before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, not in Kentucky. You can renew by mail if your address and appearance have not changed, but you cannot renew through a website. If you need a new photo or have moved, you must visit the Paducah office in person.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
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 your visit — the process takes about two weeks.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Paducah office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early or during mid-week to avoid long waits. Call (270) 444-8719 if you have questions about wait times.
What if I fail the vision test?
You cannot receive your license until you see an eye doctor and bring back a vision correction form. The office will give you information about local eye doctors. Once you have the signed form, return to the office and you can complete your license without retesting.
How do I change my address on my license?
If you have moved, you must visit the Paducah office in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new residency and your current license. The fee is $5 for an address change only, or $20 if you also need a new photo.