Where to renew your license in Georgetown
In Georgetown, you renew your driver's license at the Scott County Clerk's Office, located at 101 East Main Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. This is the only place in Scott County that handles license renewals. You cannot renew online or by mail in Kentucky — you must go in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It closes for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and is closed on weekends and state holidays. There is no appointment system, so you walk in and wait your turn. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter.
If you cannot reach the Georgetown office or want to confirm hours before you go, you can call the Scott County Clerk's Office directly. Having the phone number on hand saves a wasted trip if there is an unexpected closure.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at the Scott County Clerk's Office on East Main Street in Georgetown; Kentucky does not offer online or mail renewal.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or card.
- Standard renewal takes about 10 business days after you submit your process; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your license is expired by more than three years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long you want your new license to be valid; ask at the counter for the current price.
What documents to bring
Bring your current driver's license — this is your primary form of ID for the renewal. You also need proof of your current address in Scott County. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to; you can straightforward tell the clerk your number and they will verify it. If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you have lost your license or it was stolen, tell the clerk when you arrive. You may need to pay an additional fee for a replacement, separate from the renewal fee.
Timeline and what happens after you explore
After you submit your renewal process at the Scott County Clerk's Office, the state processes it and mails your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes about 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive your new license in the mail; there is no option to pick it up at the office.
While you wait, you can continue to drive using your old license. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so there is no gap in your driving privileges. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Kentucky does not require you to return it.
If more than two weeks pass and you have not received your new license, contact the Scott County Clerk's Office to check the status. Occasionally mail is delayed or an process has an error that needs correction.
When you need to take a test instead of just renewing
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or in person without retaking any tests. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, Kentucky treats this as a new process, not a renewal. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, and you may need to provide additional documents.
If you are unsure whether your license falls into this category, call the Scott County Clerk's Office before you go. They can tell you over the phone whether you need to test or whether you can renew. This saves you a trip if you need to study for the written exam first.
You can study for the written test using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. The vision test is done at the clerk's office and takes only a few minutes.
License validity periods and renewal fees
Kentucky offers driver's licenses valid for different lengths of time, and the renewal fee depends on which you choose. You can renew for 4 years, 6 years, or 8 years. The longer the validity period, the higher the fee. Ask the clerk at the counter for the current fee for each option; fees change periodically and vary slightly depending on your age and license type.
If you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license or a license with special restrictions), the process is the same regardless of which validity period you choose. The clerk will ask you which option you prefer when you submit your process.
Address changes and other updates
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address when you renew. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and tell the clerk you have moved. The new address will appear on your renewed license.
If you want to change your name, update your sex designation, or make other changes to the information on your license, you can do so during renewal. Bring the supporting document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) and let the clerk know what needs to change. Some changes may require additional steps or fees.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
Kentucky does not allow renewal by mail or online. If you are unable to visit the Scott County Clerk's Office in Georgetown, you have limited options. Some people ask a trusted family member or friend to go on their behalf, though the clerk may ask questions about why you are not present.
If you are homebound or have a disability that makes it difficult to travel, contact the Scott County Clerk's Office directly to ask about accommodations. They may be able to discuss options specific to your situation, though they cannot may provide an exception to the in-person requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Kentucky allows you to renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your expiration date approaches. The new license will be valid for the full period you choose, starting from the date you renew.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial licenses renew at the same Scott County Clerk's Office, but the process is slightly different and may require additional documents or medical certification depending on the type of commercial license you hold. Call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Scott County Clerk's Office does not use an appointment system for driver's license renewals. You walk in during business hours and wait your turn. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
What if my address is outside Scott County?
If you live outside Scott County but your license lists a Scott County address, you should update your address to your current residence. Bring proof of your new address and let the clerk know you have moved. Your new license will reflect your current address.
Can I get a REAL ID compliant license when I renew?
Yes. Kentucky offers REAL ID compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel. Ask the clerk whether your renewal will be REAL ID compliant or whether you need to bring additional documents to upgrade. Some documents (like a passport) count toward REAL ID but not all states accept the same proof.