Team Kentucky announces ‘Skip the Line’ driver licensing initiative

FRANKFORT, Ky. –  Kentucky residents can now skip the line for some driver licensing needs.

New remote, renewal-based licensing alternatives will provide Kentuckians with ways to “skip the line” and avoid waiting at Driver Licensing Regional Offices, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

In recent months, officials say Kentucky’s licensing offices have seen a significant increases of in-office visits as customers arrive to renew a license, obtain a REAL ID or take advantage of free vision screenings now required by law.

“We’re working to do everything we can to provide alternative options for Kentuckians and reduce wait times at our Driver Licensing Regional Offices,” Beshear said. “We encourage everyone to make a plan and skip the line if they can.”

The transportation cabinet says it has been adding staff, implementing new line-management technology and adjusting procedures to make it easier for many customers to return to remote renewal options and avoid unnecessary waits.

Those “Skip the Line” renewal options include:

• For those who can, visit an eye specialist, ask for a vision screening form and upload it to renew online at DLRenewal.ky.gov.
• Visit a licensing office, get a vision screening, receive a passcode, then return home to renew online at DLRenewal.ky.gov.
• Visit a licensing office, get the vision screening, fill out a renewal form on site without waiting and receive a temporary license via email.
• Renew by mail: Print and fill out the mail-in form at Drive.ky.gov and attach a completed vision form from an eye specialist.

Some customers might still need to visit licensing offices if they:

• Need to upgrade or apply for a REAL ID;
• Change the address, marital status or photo on your license;
• Need CDL, hearing or noncitizen services; or
• Are a new Kentucky driver, and need a permit or license after passing a Kentucky State Police-administered test.

With less than a week until the May 7 REAL ID enforcement, the Transportation Cabinet is also reminding Kentuckians that this is not a deadline, but a federal enforcement date.

If you need to fly and do not yet have a REAL ID, the governor’s office says a passport, passport card, global entry card, military ID and Veteran Health Identification Card are among the forms of REAL ID compliant identification.