The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has opened a new driver licensing regional office in Covington.
Previously, the only location option for Northern Kentuckians for driver licensing services was in Burlington.
Kentuckians used to be able to go to the office of the circuit court clerk in their county. Licensing offices went regional after the services were transferred to KYTC, making the office available to any customer regardless of where they live.
This Burlington location was not the most inclusive area for people living in more southern Northern Kentucky counties. This second location in Covington will be closer for those individuals.
The new office in Covington is in the Kenton County Government Center, at 1840 Simon Kenton Way. It is a former branch location of the office of the Kenton County Circuit Court Clerk.
Customers can schedule an appointment online at drive.ky.gov. Walk-in customers will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kentuckians can visit the new office for a variety of driver licensing services, regardless of their county of residence, according to a news release. Services include issuing, renewing, or updating driver licenses, learner permits, commercial driver licenses, and identification cards. Credentials are available in either standard-issue form or as a REAL ID. Customers also have the option of a four-year or eight-year credential.
REAL IDs will be the only license version accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights or for entry into military bases and select federal buildings once REAL ID enforcement starts May 3, 2023. REAL ID cards feature a star in the top right corner.
First-time REAL ID applicants must visit a KYTC regional office in person with proof of identity, residence and social security. For a personalized list of required documents to bring when applying, you can visit realidky.com.
The Covington office allows Kentuckians who want to renew their present credential to do so online or by mail to skip an in-person trip. A list of services offered through each renewal option is available here.
“This is next-level driver licensing in Kentucky. Customers have more service options than ever before,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said.
Applicants for permits or licenses must first complete driver testing conducted by Kentucky State Police. Appointments can be made online at kentuckystatepolice.org/driver-testing/.
“After many years of issuing driver licenses, circuit court clerks will be able to focus solely on court business, and driver licensing will be executed at new regional offices whose only business is licensing,” Secretary Gray said.