Driver's License/Kentucky State ID

To apply for a driver's license or renew your current driver's license, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Social Security Number or Letter of Ineligibility

First you will need your Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible for a SSN. In order to receive a "letter of ineligibility" you will request it from the Social Security Administration Office  in Lexington. 
If you have a job already, please follow the SSN instructions for F-1 students or J-1 students in order to obtain a social security number. Only students with approved employment authorization are eligible for a social security card.

Step 2: Letter from International Student Scholar Services (ISSS)

You will need a letter of support from ISSS that states you are a student in good standing at the University of Kentucky.
Select the "Letter Request" form on the iCAT website and choose the "Driver's License/State ID Card" option.
When your letter is ready, you will receive an approval email.

Step 3: Visit the County Clerk’s Office

Student and scholars will attend appointments at the Fayette County Clerk. The address is: 
141 Leestown Center Way, Ste. 115
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 859-963-4018

To schedule an appointment (there are currently no walk-ins) to obtain a new Kentucky Driver’s License or Permit or to renew an existing license, use the following link: https://secure.kentucky.gov/booking.web/Event/Book/217.

When you arrive for your appointment, please be sure to call again to indicate you have arrived rather than walking in.
Bring cash for payment. They do not accept checks or credit cards.  Fees vary and are subject to change, so it is advisable to bring at least $60 with you.
You will also need proof of address. This should be a piece of mail addressed to you that has been post-marked within 30 days and delivered through the U.S. Postal Service. If you have not received any mail yet, you can mail yourself a letter and bring that with you after it has been delivered.
To know which items will be needed, non-US citizens should pick their visa type from the drop-down on this website: https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Non-US-Citizens.aspx (scroll down to *Required Documentation).
 If you have not held a Kentucky Driver’s License in the past, you will be required to take the written, vision, and driving tests.

NOTE: Non-immigrants are not allowed to register to vote. Please check "NO" when asked in your application.

For more information about obtaining a driver's license, visit https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Non-US-Citizens.aspx.

Global Lex has provided a Driver’s Education for English Learners series on YouTube in French, Arabic and Swahili. Students or dependents who need additional help preparing for the written exam may find these helpful.

Please Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, government offices such as the Department of Motor Vehicals (DMV) and Social Security Administration (SSA) continue to have adapted processes. The most up-to-date instructions will be provided to you in the approval email you receive once the Letter Request eform has been processed in iCAT. Be sure to double check those instructions before continuing with any requests.