Where the Boone County DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles
The Boone County Driver's License Office is in Burlington, Kentucky, and it is the only full-service DMV location in Boone County. This office issues new driver's licenses, renews existing ones, handles license suspensions and reinstatement, and processes commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions. You cannot handle most of these services online or by mail in Kentucky — you must appear in person at this location.
The office is located at 2855 Btg Pike, Burlington, KY 41005. Hours vary by day and season, so call ahead at the Boone County office directly or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website before you go. Arriving without an appointment can mean a long wait, especially on Fridays and the first week of each month when traffic is heaviest.
Key Takeaways
- The Boone County DMV in Burlington is the only location in the county that issues and renews driver's licenses; you must go in person.
- You need a valid proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Kentucky residency before you arrive.
- New driver's licenses cost $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license; renewals cost the same amount based on the term you choose.
- The office does not accept walk-ins for most services during peak hours, so calling ahead or scheduling online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet system is strongly recommended.
- If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than three years, you may be required to retake the written test and vision screening.
Documents You Need to Bring for a New License or Renewal
Kentucky requires three categories of documents before the Boone County office will issue or renew a driver's license. First, you need a primary proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. A Social Security card alone will not work.
Second, you must show proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Third, bring proof of Kentucky residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document showing your current address. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as residency proof. If you have recently moved, bring the document that shows your new address.
If you are renewing by mail (which is only possible if your license is not expired and you have no address changes), you do not need to bring originals — but you still must have these documents available to answer questions on the form.
Fees and License Term Options
A new driver's license in Kentucky costs either $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you are getting your first license or renewing an existing one. You choose the term length when you explore — there is no discount for choosing the shorter term, so the choice depends on how long you want to wait before renewing again.
The Boone County office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. There are no additional fees for processing at the Boone County location specifically.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the license fee. These fees vary depending on the reason for suspension — typically $100 to $500 — and must be paid before the office will issue a new license. Contact the Boone County office directly to find out what you owe before you arrive.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive at the Boone County office, staff will verify your documents, check your identity against the Social Security Administration database, and confirm your Kentucky residency. You will then take a new photograph for your license. Bring a clear, recent photo ID if you want to see what the photo will look like before it is taken — the office will not use your own photo, but you can request a retake if the first one is unusable.
Next, you will take a vision screening. This is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can read the standard eye chart and whether you have any obvious vision problems that would make you unsafe to drive. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, the office will not issue a license until you bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that you are safe to drive.
If you are getting your first license or renewing after more than three years of expiration, you will also take the written knowledge test. This covers Kentucky traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Kentucky Driver's Manual, which is free on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you may have to wait.
Once you pass all requirements, the office will issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks.
Renewing Your License Before It Expires
Kentucky allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your current license — your new license will expire one four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one would have expired. Many people renew early to avoid the rush during their birth month or to get a new photo.
If you renew before your license expires and have not moved, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster but is not available for all license types. Call the Boone County office to confirm whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before you attempt it.
If you renew in person at the Boone County office, the process is the same as getting a new license — you will need the same documents, take a new photo and vision screening, and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been since your last license was issued.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired or Suspended
If your license has been expired for fewer than three years, you can renew it at the Boone County office without retaking the written test, though you will still need a new photo and vision screening. If it has been expired for three years or longer, you must retake the written test and pass the vision screening as if you were getting your first license.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out why it was suspended, what you owe, and what steps you need to take to get it reinstated. The Boone County office can tell you who to contact, but they cannot lift a suspension themselves. Once your suspension is lifted and any fines are paid, you can explore for a new license at the Boone County office.
Suspensions in Kentucky are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of driving under the influence, your license is suspended for a set period. Do not drive while your license is suspended; the penalties include fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Boone County office?
Online renewal is available in Kentucky only if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you do not need a new photo. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must renew in person at the Boone County office in Burlington.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a driver's license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this letter along with your other required documents to the Boone County office.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when you leave the office. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address and usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Do I need an appointment to go to the Boone County DMV?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended, especially during peak hours and on Fridays. Call the Boone County office directly or check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see if you can schedule one online.
What if I fail the vision screening or written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost. For the vision screening, if you fail, you must bring a letter from an eye doctor before the office will issue a license. You do not have to return on a different day — bring the letter and you can complete your process.