3rd-parties could soon issue Kentucky driver's licenses but concern for long lines remains
As the legislative session begins to conclude, a little relief made it to the finish line, but some lawmakers see a missed opportunity to fix the problem.
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'It is so frustrating. It's so maddening. I get emails all the time,' Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (R-Smithfield) told FOX 56.Before 2022, Kentuckians could get a driver's license in any of Kentucky's 120 counties. The change to a regional system was prompted by the federal REAL ID Act to improve security. However, the reduction to only 34 regional locations to get a license has naturally led to longer wait times. And requirements this year for both a vision screening and REAL ID are increasing the foot traffic.'It can be quite infuriating when you take your day, and you end up waiting in line all day long and you still don't get into the building. And you may have an appointment. And you may not have an appointment, but they are just bogged down,' Tichenor said.
Sen. Tichenor was one of several lawmakers who filed proposals this year to cut down on the wait. House Bill 518 would have returned a clerk model. Tichenor's Senate Bill 166 would have brought a regional office to counties with a population of 50 thousand or more.
'I think that would have opened up five new centers, if I'm correct, which really would help it a tremendous amount,' Tichenor said.
Read more of the latest Kentucky news
Neither of those bills passed; however, a provision was included in Senate Bill 43 allowing third parties like AAA to also be able to issue licenses. As of Tuesday afternoon, the bill was still awaiting action from Gov. Andy Beshear.
'Now they won't be able to do testing or permitting, but they'll be able to do the renewals and be able to do the REAL ID,' Tichenor explained.
However, Tichenor said she does not expect an immediate impact and believes that it will require the flexibility of a budget session next year to pay for opening more driver licensing offices.
Tichenor said she is also hopeful that by next year a Kentucky State Police pilot program for pop-up licensing can expand. But until then, she encourages trying to renew online with the proper vision paperwork or seeking out a passport card to satisfy REAL ID requirements if someone is unable to make the time for a lengthy office wait.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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