Where to reach Kentucky's Division of Drivers Licenses
The Kentucky Division of Drivers Licenses is part of the state's Transportation Cabinet and handles all matters related to driver's licenses, including medical and vision restrictions. If you need to report a medical condition, request a vision test, or understand how a health issue affects your driving privileges, you contact them directly — not a separate medical board.
The division operates regional offices across Kentucky and a main office in Frankfort. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person. The main phone line is 502-564-6800. When you call, have your driver's license number ready, and be specific about whether your question concerns a medical condition, vision requirement, or a restriction already on your license.
If you prefer to visit in person, the main office is located at 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Regional offices are spread throughout the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Transportation Cabinet website. Walk-in hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go.
Key Takeaways
- The Kentucky Division of Drivers Licenses handles medical and vision matters related to your driver's license, and you reach them at 502-564-6800.
- You can contact them by phone, mail, or by visiting a regional office in person — the main office is in Frankfort at 501 High Street.
- If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may need to report it to the division or undergo a vision test.
- Some medical conditions result in license restrictions or suspensions, and the division will notify you in writing if your license status changes.
When you need to contact the division about a medical condition
You should contact the Division of Drivers Licenses if a doctor has told you that a medical condition — such as seizures, severe vision loss, hearing impairment, or a condition affecting your ability to control a vehicle — may affect your driving. Kentucky law requires you to report certain conditions, and failing to do so can result in license suspension.
The division may ask you to undergo a medical examination or vision test to determine whether you can safely drive. This is not a punishment; it is a safety measure. You will receive written notice if the division decides to restrict your license, suspend it temporarily, or revoke it. The notice will explain your right to request a hearing if you disagree with the decision.
If you are unsure whether your condition must be reported, call the division and describe the situation. They can tell you what steps to take and what documents you may need to provide.
Vision testing and requirements
Kentucky requires all drivers to meet minimum vision standards. If you wear glasses or contacts, your license will note that restriction. If your vision has changed or you are unsure whether you meet the standard, the division can arrange a vision test.
You can have a vision test performed at any Kentucky Department of Transportation office, or you can have your eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) send the results directly to the division. The division accepts vision reports on their official form, which your eye care provider can obtain from the Transportation Cabinet website or by calling the division.
If you fail a vision test, the division will notify you of the result and explain what happens next. In some cases, you may be allowed to retake the test after a waiting period. In others, your license may be restricted or suspended until your vision improves.
Medical suspension and what it means for your license
A medical suspension means the division has temporarily removed your driving privileges because of a health condition. This is different from a suspension for a traffic violation. A medical suspension stays in place until you provide medical clearance from a doctor stating that the condition no longer prevents you from driving safely.
Once you receive medical clearance, you must contact the division to request reinstatement. Bring the doctor's letter or report with you. The division will review it and, if it is satisfactory, restore your license. This process usually takes a few business days to a week.
If you disagree with a medical suspension, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The notice you receive will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney.
How to submit medical documentation
If the division asks you to submit medical documentation, you can send it by mail, deliver it in person, or in some cases fax it. Mail documents to the Division of Drivers Licenses, 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number on all documents so the division can match them to your file.
Medical reports should come from a licensed physician, optometrist, or other may have access to health care provider. The division has specific forms for certain conditions — for example, a form for physicians to complete if you have had a seizure. You can request these forms by calling 502-564-6800 or downloading them from the Transportation Cabinet website.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records. If you mail documents, consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The division typically acknowledges receipt within a few business days.
What happens if you do not report a medical condition
Kentucky law requires you to report certain medical conditions to the Division of Drivers Licenses. If you know you have a condition that affects your ability to drive and you do not report it, the division can suspend your license once they become aware of it. This suspension can happen even if you have not been in an accident.
If you are involved in an accident or traffic stop and an officer discovers that you did not report a medical condition, you may face additional penalties beyond license suspension. You could be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries fines and possible jail time depending on the circumstances.
The safest course is to contact the division as soon as you learn of a condition that might affect your driving. If you are uncertain whether the condition must be reported, call and ask. The division staff can guide you through the process.
Regional offices and hours
Kentucky has multiple Division of Drivers Licenses offices throughout the state. The main office in Frankfort is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Regional offices have varying hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Before you visit any office, call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule a time. If you are submitting medical documentation, calling first ensures you know what documents to bring and whether the office can process them that day.
You can find a complete list of regional office locations and phone numbers on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, or call the main office at 502-564-6800 for directions to the office nearest you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report my medical condition to the Division of Drivers Licenses?
Kentucky law requires you to report certain conditions — including seizure disorders, severe vision loss, and conditions that affect your ability to control a vehicle. If you are unsure whether your condition must be reported, call the division at 502-564-6800. It is safer to report and have them tell you it is not necessary than to wait and have them discover it on their own.
How long does a medical suspension last?
A medical suspension stays in place until you provide medical clearance from a doctor. Once the division receives and approves your clearance, your license is usually reinstated within a few business days. The length of time depends on how quickly you obtain the clearance and submit it to the division.
Can I drive while waiting for the division to review my medical documentation?
No. If the division has suspended your license for medical reasons, you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted. Driving on a suspended license is a separate offense with its own penalties. If you need to drive for work or medical appointments, contact the division to ask whether a restricted license or temporary driving permit is available.
What if my doctor says I can drive but the division disagrees?
You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge to challenge the division's decision. The notice of suspension will explain how to request a hearing and the important date. At the hearing, you can present your doctor's opinion and other evidence. The judge will decide whether the division's decision was correct.
Where do I send my vision test results?
You can mail them to the Division of Drivers Licenses, 501 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622, or deliver them in person to any regional office. Your eye care provider can also send them directly to the division. Include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number on all documents.