FRANKFORT, Ky. ⁠— Circuit court clerks around the state will be able to resume limited driver's license services beginning June 1. But teens hoping to take a driver's road test and exam will need to wait for the Kentucky State Police to resume operations as it controls those services.

What You Need To Know


  • Beshear announces order allowing remote license, credential renewals

  • Applicants receive credentials in the mail

  • Remote application process in effect until July 31, 2020

Driver's license services were suspended March 18 when Gov. Andy Beshear (D) closed in-person government services because of the coronavirus. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray issued an order giving everyone a 90-day extension on the validity of licenses that expired during the shutdown.

 The move, which is only temporary, is meant to prevent Kentuckians from waiting at offices in-person and potentially exposing themselves to COVID-19.

“This order is the next right step to help clerks safely serve Kentuckians impacted by the office closures caused by the pandemic,” said Gov. Beshear. “The temporary measure will allow contactless service to help minimize crowding and help offices gradually return to full-service operations.”

Those with an operator's license, permit or identification card that was either lost or expired between March 1 and June 30, 2020 may apply to receive a new card in the mail from their local circuit court clerk.

Circuit court clerks will administer the application process and mail the requested credential, which must not require testing, directly to the applicant. The remote application process will remain through July 31, 2020.

Beshear's previous emergency order that extends the validity of cards by 90 days if the printed expiration date is March 18, 2020 or later is still in effect.

“We’re driven to offer innovative solutions during this unprecedented time that provide Kentuckians safe options to maintain and renew credentials they rely on for more multiple uses,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has reopened the Frankfort regional licensing office and is offering select in-person services for all Kentucky residents. REAL ID applications cannot be accepted through the mail due to strict federal security standards. Walk-ins are also accepted during office hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.