Ky.gov

New To Kentucky

New to Kentucky

MOVING TO KENTUCKY

Welcome to Kentucky! If you have recently become a Kentucky resident, you must obtain a Kentucky driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency to legally drive on Kentucky roads. If you own a vehicle, vessel, or mobile home, you must also obtain insurance through a company authorized to do business in Kentucky and title and register your property within 10 days of establishing residency.

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APPLYING FOR A KENTUCKY CREDENTIAL

New residents must obtain a Kentucky credential within 30 days of establishing residency.

Required Documents

  • Legal presence in the United States, such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Social Security card
  • Proof of Kentucky residency dated less than one year. (Two if applying for a REAL ID)
  • Out-of-state credential
  • Proof of name change or gender change, if applicable

For a list of acceptable documents, view the Valid Proof Documents PDF (opens in a new tab).

Out-of-State Driver's License

  • No testing is required for a valid out-of-state license or a license expired less than one year.
  • Out-of-state license expired more than one year ago? Bring a certified Driver History Record or clearance letter dated within the last 30 days and pass the written knowledge test and vision screening.
  • Lost your out-of-state license? Bring a Driver History Record or a clearance letter dated within the last 30 days. If the license was valid or expired less than one year ago, you only need to complete a vision screening.
The Kentucky State Police oversees all testing for Kentucky. To schedule a testing appointment, please visit www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov(opens in a new tab).

Under Age 18

Applicants under 18 may be issued a permit, an intermediate license, or a full operator license, depending on their age and the type of out-of-state credential they currently hold.

View Transfer Requirements

Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens who hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state and are transferring to Kentucky, or who are already licensed in Kentucky, are only required to complete a vision screening.

Learn more

College Students

A U.S. citizen enrolled as a full- or part-time student at a Kentucky college, university or technical college may drive with a valid out-of-state license and student identification card.

Identification Card

Applicants can bring the required documents to any Driver Licensing Regional office to apply for a Kentucky ID Card.

Visit an office

KENTUCKY CREDENTIAL PRICING

Overview graphic of Kentucky credential pricing. Detailed pricing information follows for screen reader users.

Kentucky Credential Pricing Details

  • Driver’s License: Standard 4 Year $21.50, Standard 8 Year $43.00, REAL ID 4 Year $24.00, REAL ID 8 Year $48.00
  • Motorcycle License: Standard 4 Year $21.50, Standard 8 Year $43.00, REAL ID 4 Year $24.00, REAL ID 8 Year $48.00
  • Driver/Motorcycle License Combo: Standard 4 Year $26.50, Standard 8 Year $53.00, REAL ID 4 Year $29.00, REAL ID 8 Year $58.00
  • Personal ID: Standard 4 Year $11.50, Standard 8 Year $23.00, REAL ID 4 Year $14.00, REAL ID 8 Year $28.00
  • Driver’s Permit: Standard 3 Year $15.00, REAL ID 3 Year $18.00
  • Motorcycle Permit: Standard 1 Year $15.00, REAL ID 1 Year $18.00
  • CDL costs vary by type and endorsement combination.
  • Payment types accepted: credit, debit, cash and check.

TITLING AND REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE

Before registering your vehicle and obtaining Kentucky license plates, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle title to a Kentucky title.

Out-of-State Vehicle Title

Take the following items to your local County Clerk’s office (opens in a new tab):

  • Proof of Kentucky insurance with an issue date within 45 days
  • Kentucky photo ID
  • Completed TC 96-182 form (opens in a new tab) and signed-over title
  • If your state only issues a registration or bill of sale, bring those instead of the signed-over title.
  • If the name on your title differs from the name on your ID, provide proof showing they are the same person, such as a marriage license or divorce decree.

Vehicle Registration

Visit the County Clerk (opens in a new tab) in your county of residence to register your vehicle. Bring the following items:

  • Kentucky photo ID
  • Current original proof of Kentucky insurance with an effective date within 45 days
  • Payment for fees and applicable taxes
  • Sheriff’s Inspection for vehicles brought into Kentucky from another state
Out-of-state insurance is acceptable for active duty military if that individual is listed on the vehicle title. Acceptable proof includes active military ID, a letter from the Provost Marshal and an LES pay stub.

KENTUCKY INSURANCE

A person who brings a motor vehicle into Kentucky must apply for registration within 15 days in the county where they live.

A vehicle owner may not operate the vehicle in Kentucky until Kentucky insurance has been obtained. Failure to maintain insurance may result in vehicle registration revocation.

Minimum Liability Coverage

  • $25,000 for injury or damages for one person
  • $50,000 for injury or damages for all persons involved in an accident
  • $25,000 for property damages
  • Or a $60,000 single-limit policy
For more information, visit the Mandatory Insurance page (opens in a new tab).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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