How to Get a Kentucky DMV Appointment

Welcome to the Kentucky driver’s license guide. The most important “secret” you must know is that the “DMV” is not one place. Kentucky’s system is split into three different agencies, and you must go to the right one.

1. KYTC (Transportation Cabinet): Go here for your card (REAL ID, Renewal, License). Appointment required.
2. KSP (State Police): Go here for your tests (Written Permit Test, Road Test). Appointment required.
3. County Clerk’s Office: Go here for your car (Plates, Title, Registration). Walk-in only.

This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office so you don’t make a wasted trip.

How to Book Your KYTC Appointment (The “Card”)

This is the state’s main “Driver Licensing Regional Office.” You must go here to get your physical card.

Use this process for:

• Renewing your driver’s license
• Getting your first REAL ID
• Transferring an out-of-state license
• Getting your first physical permit or license after you pass your tests

Step-by-Step Online Booking:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the KYTC Regional Office Map.
2. Select Your Location: Find your county or the nearest regional office on the map and click on it.
3. Click “Schedule Appointment”: A new window will open. Select “Schedule an Appointment.”
4. Select Your Service: This is the most important step.
   • For a Renewal/REAL ID: Choose “Driver’s License Renewal” or “REAL ID.”
   • For a New Resident: Choose “New-to-Kentucky.”
   • For an Address Change: Choose “Driver’s License Renewal.” This is also the correct appointment for an address change. You can see the full document requirements in our Kentucky change of address guide.
   • For Reinstatement: Choose “Reinstatement.” (Before you book, you must complete all compliance items. You can learn the full process in our guide to license reinstatement in Kentucky.)
5. Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show you all available slots.
6. Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email.

How to Book Your KSP Appointment (The “Tests”)

You CANNOT take a test at the KYTC office. All written (permit) tests and road (driving) tests are given only by the Kentucky State Police (KSP).

Use this process for:

• First-time Learner’s Permit (Written Test)
• Driver’s License Road Test (Skills Test)

Step-by-Step Online Booking:

1. Visit the KSP Portal: Navigate to the official KSP scheduler:[https://telegov.egov.com/KSP/AppointmentWizard]
2. Select Your Service: Choose “Written Test” (for a permit) or “Driver license road test” (for a driving test).
3. Select Location & Time: Choose your preferred KSP testing site and select an available date and time.
4. Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
5. Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email. This is a separate appointment from your KYTC one.

The “Two-Stop” Path for a New Driver (Putting It Together)

This is the most confusing process, simplified.

• Step 1: Book an appointment with the KSP (State Police) to take your Written Test.
• Step 2: After you pass, book an appointment with the KYTC (Regional Office) to get your physical Learner’s Permit card.
• Step 3: Practice driving for 60 hours (including 10 at night).
• Step 4: Book an appointment with the KSP (State Police) to take your Road Test.
• Step 5: After you pass, book another appointment with the KYTC (Regional Office) to have “Graduate License” added and be issued your full license.

How to Register Your VEHICLE (The “Car”)

This is the easy part. You CANNOT and DO NOT need an appointment for this.

• What it’s for: Vehicle Registration, License Plates, and Title Transfers.
• Where to go: Your local County Clerk’s Office.
• How it works: This is a walk-in service. You just need to find your local County Clerk’s office (Google “[Your County] County Clerk”) and visit during their business hours.

Pro-Tip: If you just bought a car from a private seller, you can’t legally drive it to the Clerk’s office. You must first get a Kentucky temporary tag. Our guide explains how this simple process works.

Required Documents for Your Visit (REAL ID)

When you visit the KYTC Regional Office (Stop 1), you must bring the official REAL ID documents.

• 1. Proof of Identity (One required):
  • U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate
• 2. Proof of Social Security Number (One required):
  • Social Security Card
  • W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
• 3. Proofs of Kentucky Residency (TWO required):
  • You must bring TWO recent (within 60 days) documents from different sources with your name and KY address.
  • Examples: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or vehicle registration.

FAQs