Where to go for your driver's license in Frankfort
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing handles all driver's licenses in the state. In Frankfort, the main office is located at 200 Meyzeek Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. This is the office where you'll go in person to take your written test, road test, or renew an expiring license. You cannot complete these transactions online or by mail — you must appear at the office in person.
The Frankfort office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you need to renew your license and it has not yet expired, you can renew by mail or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, but only if you meet certain conditions — your license must be valid, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you cannot be renewing a commercial license. If any of those do not explore to you, you must visit in person.
Key Takeaways
- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office in Frankfort is at 200 Meyzeek Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- You must appear in person to take your written test, road test, or renew a license with medical restrictions or a commercial endorsement.
- Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, proof of identity, and any required medical documentation to your appointment.
- Road tests in Frankfort typically have a wait of several weeks, so schedule as soon as you are ready to test.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted by the court or the Cabinet.
Documents you need to bring
Kentucky requires specific documents before you can take a test or renew your license. Bring your original Social Security card, a proof of identity (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), and a proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
If you are renewing your license and have medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aids), bring documentation from your doctor or eye care provider showing that you still meet the requirement. If you are renewing a commercial license or adding a commercial endorsement, bring your current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Taking your written test and road test
If you are getting your first license or your license has expired for more than three years, you must pass a written test before you can take a road test. The written test covers Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Transportation Cabinet website. The test is given on a computer at the Frankfort office and takes about 30 minutes.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test. The road test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. A licensed adult (age 21 or older) must accompany you to the test, but they cannot sit in the front seat during the test itself.
Wait times for road tests in Frankfort vary by season. During spring and summer, the wait is typically four to eight weeks. During fall and winter, the wait is usually two to four weeks. You can call the Frankfort office at (502) 564-6800 to ask about current wait times before you schedule.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is still valid and you do not have medical restrictions or a commercial license, you can renew by mail or online. To renew online, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. The fee is paid by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Transportation Cabinet website or pick one up at the Frankfort office. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks after the Cabinet receives your form. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office in person.
License fees and what they cover
A standard driver's license in Kentucky is valid for four years and costs $20. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is valid for four years and costs $20, plus additional fees for each endorsement you add (hazmat, passenger, tanker, or doubles/triples). A motorcycle endorsement costs $5. If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, the fee is the same as a new license.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you must pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension or revocation and can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. You cannot renew your license until the suspension or revocation is lifted and the reinstatement fee is paid.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to pay child support. If your license is suspended, you may be able to drive for certain purposes (such as work or school) if you obtain a restricted license. To request a restricted license, you must appear in person at the Frankfort office with proof of the hardship and proof that you have met any conditions set by the court.
If your license is revoked, you cannot drive at all until the revocation is lifted. The length of a revocation depends on the reason — a DUI revocation typically lasts one to five years, depending on whether it is your first offense. To find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it, call the Transportation Cabinet at (502) 564-6800 or visit the office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a different Kentucky city if I live in Frankfort?
Yes. You can take your road test at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet office, not just Frankfort. Some offices have shorter wait times than others. Call ahead to compare wait times before you schedule, or check the Cabinet website for a list of all office locations and their phone numbers.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can retake the road test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before you test again.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Frankfort office?
Appointments are not required, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon). Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait. Call ahead if you want to know how busy the office is.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license as if you have never had one. You must pass the written test and road test, bring all required documents, and pay the full license fee. You cannot renew an expired license by mail or online.
What if I lose my license or it is damaged?
You can request a replacement at the Frankfort office. Bring your Social Security card and proof of identity. The replacement fee is $5. You do not need to retake any tests. Your replacement license will be ready the same day if you explore in person, or it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you request it by phone.