Where to renew your license in Bardstown
In Bardstown, you renew your driver's license at the Nelson County Clerk's office, located at 84 East Stephen Foster Avenue in downtown Bardstown. This is the only office in Nelson County that handles driver's license renewals. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
You can renew in person only — Kentucky does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses. Walk-ins are accepted, but the office can get busy, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If you want to check wait times before you go, call the Nelson County Clerk's office at (502) 348-3600.
Key Takeaways
- The Nelson County Clerk's office at 84 East Stephen Foster Avenue is the only place in Bardstown where you can renew your driver's license, and you must do it in person.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a completed DLVR 44 form, which you can bring with you or fill out at the office.
- Standard renewals cost $48 for an eight-year license and take about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter, though wait times vary.
- If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening, so check your renewal notice or call ahead.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old license until it arrives.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Kentucky accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
You will also need to complete form DLVR 44, the process for Operator's License. You can read it from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you go, or you can fill it out at the clerk's office when you arrive. If you fill it out ahead of time, bring it with you signed and ready.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, the proof-of-residency document serves that purpose.
Cost and how long it takes
A standard eight-year renewal costs $48, paid by cash, check, or card at the clerk's office. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the cost is the same — Kentucky includes Real ID compliance in all standard licenses issued after 2017.
The renewal process at the counter usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives, even if it is expired.
When you may need to retake the written test
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or in person without retaking any tests. If your license has been expired for more than three years, Kentucky requires you to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening before you can renew.
Check your renewal notice — if you received one in the mail, it will say whether you need to test. If you are unsure, call the Nelson County Clerk's office at (502) 348-3600 before you go. If you do need to test, bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, and plan for an extra 30 to 45 minutes at the office.
What happens 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 resolve the suspension or revocation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Driver Licensing branch. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-502-564-6800 or visit their website to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take. Once that is resolved, you can then renew at the Nelson County Clerk's office.
Bringing children or dependents with you
You can bring children or dependents with you to the clerk's office, but the office is not equipped with a waiting area designed for families. If you expect a long wait, consider going during slower times — early morning or late afternoon on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday tends to be less crowded than Monday or Friday.
If you need to renew your child's license or state ID, they must be present with you, and you will need to bring their current license or ID plus proof of their residency (which can be the same document you use for yourself if you live at the same address).
If you lose your license before the new one arrives
If your old license is lost or stolen before your new one arrives, contact the Nelson County Clerk's office right away. You can request a duplicate license for $10, and it will be mailed to you. You will need to show proof of identity and residency again.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one is lost, you can ask the clerk's office for a temporary paper license, though availability varies. Call ahead at (502) 348-3600 to confirm whether they can issue one on the day you plan to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky requires all driver's license renewals to be done in person at your county clerk's office. There is no online or mail renewal option for driver's licenses, though you can renew your vehicle registration online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website.
What if I moved out of Nelson County but still live in Kentucky?
You must renew at the clerk's office in the county where you now live. If you have moved to a different Kentucky county, find your new county clerk's office on the Kentucky Court of Justice website and visit them with your proof of new residency.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically or enter federal buildings?
Yes. Real ID compliance has been required for domestic air travel and federal building access since May 2025. All Kentucky driver's licenses issued after 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default, so your renewal will meet this requirement without any extra steps or cost.
How long is my renewed license valid?
A standard Kentucky driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your renewal notice will tell you the exact expiration date. You can renew it anytime within 180 days before it expires.
What if my name or address on the license is wrong?
Bring the document that proves the correct information — a birth certificate for a name change, or a utility bill or lease for an address change. The clerk's office will correct it during your renewal at no extra cost.