Where to renew your license in Bardstown

In Bardstown, you renew your driver license at the Nelson County Clerk's office, located at 110 East Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004. This is the only office in Nelson County that handles driver license renewals. You cannot renew online in Kentucky, so you must go in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead at (502) 348-3626 to confirm current hours before you go, since hours can change seasonally or for holidays. Going during mid-morning or mid-afternoon typically means shorter wait times than early morning or lunch hour.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at the Nelson County Clerk's office on East Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown.
  • Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
  • Standard renewals take about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license is expired by more than three years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for (typically $20 to $48).

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license as your primary form of identification. You also need proof of your current address in Kentucky — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work for address proof.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or bring your birth certificate instead. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents along with your birth certificate.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, the clerk cannot issue a license under your new name.

What happens during your renewal visit

When you arrive, you will check in and take a number. A clerk will review your documents, confirm your address, and ask you to sign a form. You will have your photo taken for the new license. The clerk will also run a quick vision test — you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.

The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Once the clerk finishes, you pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the paper license until the plastic one arrives.

When you need to retake the written and vision tests

If your license expired more than three years ago, Kentucky requires you to retake both the written knowledge test and the vision test. You cannot straightforward renew — you must pass the tests first. The clerk at the Nelson County office can tell you whether your specific license falls into this category when you call ahead.

If you need to retake the tests, you will take the written test on a computer at the clerk's office during your visit. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need a score of 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. Study materials are available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal costs $20, and an eight-year renewal costs $48. Kentucky does not offer licenses valid for longer than eight years. The clerk will tell you which option you are renewing into based on your age and license type.

The Nelson County Clerk's office accepts cash and checks. Ask when you call whether they accept debit or credit cards, as payment methods can vary by office. If you pay by check, make it out to the Nelson County Clerk.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the clerk's office. You must first clear the suspension or revocation through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Call the Cabinet's driver licensing branch at (502) 564-6800 to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

Suspensions often result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points. Once the Cabinet confirms your suspension or revocation is cleared, you can then renew at the clerk's office.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you still go to the Nelson County Clerk's office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal. The clerk will issue a replacement license with a new number. The fee for a replacement is typically $10 to $15, separate from the renewal fee, though you may be able to combine both into one transaction.

Report a stolen license to local police if you are concerned about identity theft. Give the police report number to the clerk — it helps document why you needed a replacement. If your license was lost, you do not need a police report, but having one does not hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Kentucky does not offer mail-in or online renewal for driver licenses. You must appear in person at the Nelson County Clerk's office in Bardstown. This is true even if you have renewed the same license multiple times before.

What if I moved out of state and want to renew my Kentucky license?

You must renew in person in Kentucky. If you have moved permanently out of state, you should get a driver license from your new state instead. If you still need a Kentucky license, you will have to travel back to Bardstown to renew it at the clerk's office.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, the paper license gives you a grace period. If your plastic license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Nelson County Clerk's office.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, the clerk will not issue you a license. You will need to see an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the clerk's office to retake the test. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return. Some people are issued licenses with a restriction requiring them to wear corrective lenses while driving.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license?

The Nelson County Clerk's office does not require appointments for driver license renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and ask about current wait times is a good idea, especially if you are traveling from far away.