Where to go for your Boone County driver's license
The Boone County Clerk's Office handles driver's licenses in Boone County, Kentucky. You do not go to a separate DMV office — the county clerk issues licenses, handles renewals, and processes address changes. The main office is located in the courthouse in downtown Burlington, Kentucky.
You can also visit the satellite office in Florence if that location is more convenient. Both offices process the same services and accept the same documents. Hours vary by location, so check the Boone County Clerk's website or call ahead before you go, especially if you need to renew or replace a license on a specific day.
Walk-in service is available at both locations, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Some services may require an appointment — call the clerk's office to confirm what you need before arriving.
Key Takeaways
- The Boone County Clerk's Office in Burlington and the Florence satellite office both issue driver's licenses; you do not need to visit a state DMV.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a new license.
- Kentucky driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport and costs more than a standard license.
- Fees vary based on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or stolen license.
Documents you need for a new Boone County driver's license
To get a new driver's license in Boone County, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, passport, military ID, or previous driver's license. If you do not have one of these, the clerk's office can tell you what alternatives they accept.
Proof of residency must show your current Boone County address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You need a document with your name and address on it — a phone bill or credit card statement alone is not enough.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. If you do not have your card, a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form will work. You will also need to pass a vision test at the clerk's office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Real ID versus standard Kentucky driver's license
Kentucky offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States.
A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. To get one, you need the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of citizenship or immigration status — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or visa. The Real ID also costs more than a standard license.
If you do not fly or enter federal buildings often, a standard license is cheaper and requires fewer documents. You can always upgrade to a Real ID later by returning to the clerk's office with the extra citizenship documents. Many people get a standard license first and switch to Real ID only when they need it.
How to renew your Kentucky driver's license
Kentucky driver's licenses expire every six years. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation. If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes, you may be able to renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website without visiting the clerk's office.
To renew by mail, contact the Boone County Clerk's Office for a renewal form. Fill it out, include a new photo if required, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. Processing takes several weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you need your license by a certain date.
If you cannot renew by mail or online, or if your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person at the clerk's office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. In-person renewal is faster than mail and usually takes less than an hour.
Boone County driver's license fees
Fees for Boone County driver's licenses vary based on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than a six-year license. A Real ID license costs more than a standard license of the same length. Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses have their own fee, which is usually lower than a new license.
Renewal fees are typically lower than the fee for a new license. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and card payments. Ask about the exact fee when you call or visit, since fees can change and may differ between the main office and the satellite location.
If you need a duplicate license — an extra copy of your current license with the same number — that service also has a separate fee and can usually be done quickly in person.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Kentucky driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends or you complete the steps to reinstate it. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving with a suspended license. Revocations are more serious and usually result from multiple violations or DUI convictions.
Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the Boone County Clerk's Office to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to get it back. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a set period. Some suspensions require an SR22 insurance form before you can drive again — your insurance company files this with the state to prove you have coverage.
Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal charge and can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
Changing your address on your Boone County driver's license
If you move within Kentucky, you must update your address on your driver's license within 30 days. You can change your address in person at the Boone County Clerk's Office by bringing your current license and proof of your new address. This service is usually quick and free or costs a small fee.
Some address changes can be done online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if you meet certain requirements. Check the website to see if your situation qualifies. If you move out of Boone County but stay in Kentucky, you can still update your address at the Boone County Clerk's Office, or you can visit the clerk's office in your new county.
If you move out of Kentucky, you will need to get a new driver's license from your new state. Kentucky will not renew or update a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Boone County driver's license online?
You may be able to renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if your license is not expired, you have no violations, and you have not changed your address. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew by mail or in person at the Boone County Clerk's Office. Check the state website to see if your specific situation qualifies for online renewal.
What if I lost my driver's license?
Report the loss to the Boone County Clerk's Office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is usually lower than a new license fee. You will get a new license with a new number, not a duplicate of your old one.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Kentucky?
No. A standard Kentucky driver's license is legal for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You only need a Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. If you drive but do not fly, a standard license is sufficient and costs less.
How long does it take to get a new driver's license in Boone County?
In-person applications are usually processed the same day or within a few days. By mail, processing takes two to four weeks. Online renewals are faster. Call the Boone County Clerk's Office to ask about current processing times, since they can vary depending on how busy the office is.
What happens if I move out of Boone County but stay in Kentucky?
You can update your address at the Boone County Clerk's Office or at the clerk's office in your new county. You do not need a new license just because you moved within Kentucky — you can keep your current license and straightforward update the address on it.