Birth Certificates and Marriage Licenses must have a notarized, translated statement of the information listed on the document. Applicants under the age of 18 that are applying for a first-time license will be required to bring their birth certificate along with a notarized, translated statement of the information listed on the birth certificate.
If a driver does not see their status listed, they are asked to present all documentation proving they are legally allowed to be in the United States. All documentation must be in the original form and is subject to approval.
These statuses are subject to review and change as the Division of Driver Licensing continues strengthening review procedures within the issuance process to non-U.S. citizens. Due to the complex nature of rules, interpretations, and laws, there may be occasions when exceptions may be made.
Residency Requirements
All non-U.S. citizens/permanment residents must provide one (1) proof of residency in Kentucky (2 for a REAL ID). Kentucky law defines "residency" as a person who has established Kentucky as their state of residence within the last 30 days. Proof of residency shall include but not be limited to a deed, property tax bill, utility agreement, utility bill, or housing agreement.
LIST OF VALID PROOF DOCUMENTS
TESTING REQUIREMENTS
PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Written test required
Vision test required
All testing is scheduled through the Kentucky State Police website. Click
here for driver testing information.
Written test required
Vision test required
Road test required
*Applicant must start with a driver's permit
All testing is scheduled through the Kentucky State Police website. Click
here for driver testing information.
Written test required
Vision test required
Road test required
*Applicant must start with a driver's permit
All testing is scheduled through the Kentucky State Police website. Click here for driver testing information.
NON-PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Written test required
Vision test required
Road test required
All testing is scheduled through the Kentucky State Police website. Click here for driver testing information.
Written test required
Vision test required
Road test required
*Applicant must start with a driver's permit
All testing is scheduled through the Kentucky State Police website. Click here for driver testing information.
Written test required
Vision test required
Road test required
*Applicant must start with a driver's permit
All testing is scheduled through the Kentucky State Police website. Click here for driver testing information.
Available Testing Languages for Written Permit Testing
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Albanian
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Arabic
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Bosnian
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Cambodian
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Chinese
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Croatian
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English
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French
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German
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Japanese
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Korean
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Laotian
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Persian
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Polish
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Romanian
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Russian
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Somali
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Spanish
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Thai
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Turkish
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Vietnamese
KENTUCKY DRIVER MANUAL
LICENSE EXPIRATION
A license or ID card issued to a non-U.S. citizen will be issued to expire with their USCIS documents. Exceptions are "Special Status Individuals" (Asylee, Refugee, Paroled in Public Interest, or K-1). These individuals will receive a 4-year license or ID. If the person's USCIS documents are issued indefinitely, but the person is not considered a "Special Status," the license or ID will be valid for 4 years.
RENEWAL
If a non-U.S. citizen wishes to renew a credential, they will need to bring in their updated USCIS documents with the new date listed to any Driver Licensing Regional office to request a renewal. If a Non US Citizen is waiting for an extension and has the I-797C in digital format, the I-797C form will be accepted. It will need to be printed out in order for the Regional office to scan the document to a record.
FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS
A person presenting false information regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status under KRS 186.570 will be denied or suspended and prosecuted.
APPLICATIONS
VISIT ANY DRIVER LICENSING REGIONAL OFFICE
Schedule an Appointment