Ky.gov

First Issuance

Drivers

​​​​NEW DRIVER LICENSING LAW FOR 15-YEAR-OLDS

The licensing system has been upgraded to accommodate 15-year-old applications. Those interested may make appointments with the Kentucky State Police (KSP).

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​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In May 2025, standard licenses will no longer meet federal REAL ID Act requirements for Kentuckians to board U.S. domestic flights or enter select federal facilities. New security standards for identity credentials were recommended by the 9/11 Commission to prevent the fraudulent use and reproduction of licenses and IDs. For more information on the REAL ID, click h​ere​.​

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Beginning July 15, 2024 an applicant shall not be issued a personal identification card if the applicant currently holds a valid Kentucky instruction permit or operator's license. A person shall not hold more than one (1) license or personal identification card.

If a person's instruction permit or operator's license has been suspended or revoked, the person may be issued a personal identification card. A personal identification card shall be surrendered when the person applies to have his or her instruction permit or operator's license reinstated.

​WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A KY DRIVER'S LICENSE?


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1. One (1) proof of identity document 

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2. One (1) proof of Social Security number (first-time & out-of-state applicants MUST bring their Social Security​ card as proof)​​

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3. One ​​(1) proof of the applicant's Kentucky residency dated less than one year. Two are required if applying for a REAL ID.​

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4. One (1) name change document (​If your current full legal name, date of birth, or gender is different than what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes. Your name must be updated on your Social Security card before applying for a driver's license.​​)

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​​​5. For persons under 18, a School Compliance Verification Form issued by their school

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​​PHOTOCOPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
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Before obtaining a permit/license, all new applicants must complete the required written, vision, and skills tests, administered by the Kentucky State Police.​

IDENTIFICATION CARDS​​​​:

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Beginning July 15, 2024 an applicant shall not be issued a personal identification card if the applicant currently holds a valid Kentucky instruction permit or operator's license. A person shall not hold more than one (1) license or personal identification card.

If a person's instruction permit or operator's license has been suspended or revoked, the person may be issued a personal identification card. A personal identification card shall be surrendered when the person applies to have his or her instruction permit or operator's license reinstated.​

  • ​​An ID card may be obtained for a person age 15 and over at any Driver Licensing Regional Office.

  • A birth certificate, Social Security card (photocopies not accepted), and proof of residency are required. Click here for a list of Valid Proof Documents.​

    • ​If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian can provide proof of residency in their own name to confirm that the applicant lives with them.​

  • A parent/guardian must be present if the applicant is under 18 years old.​

  • A standard Identification Card costs $11.50.


​​Kentucky Child ID Program

On January 2, 2003, Kentucky implemented a new "Child ID" Program for applicants 2 to 15 years old. This program works closely with the Kentucky State Police "Missing Persons Clearinghouse" and the Amber Alert System in the event of a missing child.

  • To obtain an ID for your child, please visit any Driver Licensing Regional Office.

  • The office will need to verify the child's identity from their birth certificate and Social Security document (photocopies not accepted).

  • The child must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident. Proof of residency is required.

  • The child's parent or guardian will need to sign the application and answer the U.S. Citizen question for the child. The card costs $6.00, and it will expire in four (4) years.

  • Foster children will need to bring a Commitment Verification letter signed by their Independent Living Specialist, not the foster parent. They do not need to bring the custody papers with them. The foster parent/social worker can sign for guardianship of the child when the ID card is issued.​


The card will be in the "vertical" format since it is issued to someone under 21. One noticeable difference on the Child ID is that the child's address will not appear on the face of the license. While stored in KDLIS, the address does not appear on the card's face to protect the child if the card is lost.
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Free Voter ID Card​

  • A free voter ID card can be obtained at any Driver Licensing Regional Office.

  • A Free Voter ID application must be submitted at the time of the issuance to ensure eligibility requirements are met.

  • Qualifications To Receive A Free Voter ID:

    • Must be eligible to vote

    • Must be registered to vote or register to vote upon issuance

    • Must not possess another state-issued credential from Kentucky or another jurisdiction

    • ​Must provide the required documents according to KRS contained in Kentucky Law (birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency).​


Homeless Identification Card

  • The ID card can be obtained at any Driver Licensing Regional office.

  • Per KRS 186.412(7). Per KRS 186.412 (7), "...the regional office shall issue a color photo personal identification card to any person who is a Kentucky resident and who resides in the county who complies with the provisions of this section and who applies in person."

  • It further states that "An application for a personal identification card shall be accompanied by the same information as is required for an operator license"..." except if a person does not have a fixed, permanent address, the person may use as proof of residency a signed letter from a homeless shelter, health care facility, or social service agency currently providing the person treatment or services and attesting that the person is a resident of Kentucky."


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​KENTUCKY CREDENTIAL PRICING​
Pricing of Kentucky Credentials

​​NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER

All states use the National Driver Register to determine if a driver's driving privilege is suspended in any other state before a license is issued. If a driver is suspended in another state, a license will not be issued until that suspension is no longer effective. Kentucky is a member of the Driver License Compact and the Nonresident Violator's Compact.​ For more information, click here.

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