MAYFIELD, Ky. — Chaos in the aftermath of a tornado often means some of your most important documents are missing. Whether you lost your license in a twister or simply misplaced it, there are a host options to get it replaced

What You Need To Know

  • Losing your driver's license or other important documents can be stressful, but they're easy to replace

  • KYTC opened a pop-up licensing branch in Mayfield to serve tornado victims who may have lost important documents

  • The pop-up branch will be open until at least Jan. 28

  • If you've lost your license, filing a police report can help prevent identity theft

Solutions for tornado victims

State officials have set up a temporary licensing office in Mayfield to help western Kentucky storm victims restore important documents including driver's licenses, registrations and other ID cards.

The pop-up licensing office opened last week at 355 Charles Drive near Kentucky 80. The new office is staffed with workers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) using portable equipment.

Lost credentials are being replaced free of charge, and only walk-ins are accepted, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. Officials said a second team will deploy to Dawson Springs once office space is found.

“Valid personal identification will be indispensable to anyone now facing the tasks of insurance claims and applications for assistance, and we needed to make those tasks as easy as possible,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Currently, the closest regional office branch for licensing is in Paducah.

The pop-up office in Mayfield is expected to operate at least through Jan. 28, the governor’s office said.

Comprehensive information on tornado relief resources can be found here.

Replacing important documents statewide

Elsewhere in Kentucky, important documents can be replaced through a quick trip to your local county clerk's office or KYTC branch.

You can easily replace a lost, stolen or even damaged driver's license by submitting a few documents and paying a replacement fee to KYTC.

KYTC suggests bringing the following documents if you're replacing a lost or stolen document:

  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Proof of your current Kentucky address, such as:
    • A utility bill.
    • Mortgage documents.
    • A postmarked letter with your name and current address.
  • Payment for the $12 replacement fee OR $18 renewal fee.

You can find more information here.

Reporting a lost or stolen license

If your driver's license was lost or stolen, it's wise to file a police report with your local law enforcement agency.

While a police report isn't required to get a duplicate license, it can help prevent identity theft or other criminal use of your identification.

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