FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky may soon allow more teenagers to drive and expand driver’s license renewal options statewide.

What You Need To Know

  • House Bill 161 would allow third party entities to offer driver's license renewals 

  • Any third party who wants to offer the service would need approval from the cabinet, comply with all regulations and polices and collect fees and deliver them to the state in a timely manner. 

  • House Bill 15 would lower the age to get a driver's permit from 16 to 15 years old 

  • Both bills will now be voted on by the full House

More convenient options to renew a Kentucky driver’s license may come to the Commonwealth. House Bill 161 looks to allow third parties other than a regional licensing office to provide renewal services. State Representative Kevin Jackson, R-Bowling Green, discussed the bill Tuesday with the House transportation committee.

“Allowing third party entities to issue driver’s license renewals will help streamline the process and make it more accessible for all Kentuckians,” Jackson said.

In 2022, the state passed a law creating 34 regional licensing centers taking the services away from the 120 county clerks. Jackson said this has created headaches for many Kentuckians.

“Many folks are forced to drive long distances, wait in long lines and deal with people they’ve never met before,” Jackson said.

Under the bill, a third party who wishes to offer this service would need approval from the cabinet, comply with all regulations and polices and collect fees and deliver them to the state in a timely manner. Jackson said there would also be a $2 to $5 fee compared to the cost at a regional center.

“I know myself and I think you would too; I would be glad to pay $2 to $5 more to stay in my county to go deal with somebody that I probably know from that county,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s bill passed committee favorably. The House transportation committee also favorably passing House Bill 15. It would change the age to get a driver’s instructional permit from 16 to 15. House Majority Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, said most states surrounding Kentucky have the age at 15.

“We’re an outlier here and we want to move, give parents the choice if they want to,” Rudy said.

The bill has bipartisan support. Rudy said he has heard from numerous parents and teens advocating for the change.

“The youth of Kentucky deserve, want and expect this,” Rudy said.

Both bills will now be voted on by the full House.

Representative Jackson said third party licensing renewal could offer the newly required vision tests and renewals of Real IDs as well.

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