Where to Renew in Bardstown
Bardstown has one Driver Licensing Office located at 1 Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004. This is the only place in Bardstown where you can renew your license in person. The office is inside the Nelson County Courthouse, so parking and building access follow courthouse rules.
You can also renew by mail or online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website, but the in-person office is the fastest option if you need your license quickly or if you have documents that need to be verified on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- The Bardstown Driver Licensing Office is at 1 Court Square inside the Nelson County Courthouse and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
- You will need your current Kentucky driver license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to renew.
- Standard renewal takes 10 business days by mail; in-person renewal at the Bardstown office is usually completed the same day.
- Renewal fees are $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license, and payment is cash, check, or card.
- If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your current Kentucky driver license as your primary form of identification. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID card or passport instead.
You also need proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Kentucky address. A driver license renewal notice from the Transportation Cabinet also counts.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a physical card, but you must know the number. If you are renewing for the first time after a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Hours and Wait Times at the Bardstown Office
The Bardstown Driver Licensing Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Call ahead at (502) 348-1500 to confirm hours on the day you plan to visit, as holiday schedules or staffing changes can affect availability.
Wait times vary by day and time of day. Early morning (8:00 to 9:30 a.m.) and late afternoon (3:30 to 4:30 p.m.) typically have shorter lines. Avoid midday and Fridays if possible. There is no online appointment system for the Bardstown office, so you must arrive and wait your turn.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
A four-year driver license costs $48. An eight-year license costs $72. You must choose the term length when you renew; you cannot upgrade later without paying for a new license.
The Bardstown office accepts cash, personal check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. There is no fee discount for renewing early, and you cannot renew more than six months before your expiration date.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the standard process. If your license has been expired for three years or longer, you must renew in person at the Bardstown office. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives or is issued in person.
Mail-In and Online Renewal Options
If your license is not expired and you do not need it urgently, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website or call (502) 564-6800. Mail the completed form, your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes 10 business days after the Cabinet receives your packet.
Online renewal is available through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you must not have any medical or vision restrictions. Online renewal is faster than mail and costs the same. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not extend your license term — your new expiration date is still based on your original issue date. There is no fee discount for early renewal.
What if I have moved since my last license and do not have a utility bill yet?
Bring any document dated within 60 days that shows your new Kentucky address: a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. If you moved very recently and have no dated documents, bring an unsigned lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead with your name and address. Call the Bardstown office at (502) 348-1500 to confirm what they will accept before you visit.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
No. Mail-in and online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal at the Bardstown office includes a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. You can renew by mail or in person, but the Transportation Cabinet will verify the document before issuing your new license. In-person renewal at the Bardstown office is faster if you want to confirm the document is acceptable before submitting it.
How long is my new license valid?
A standard driver license is valid for four or eight years from the date of issue, depending on which term you choose at renewal. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the license. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration.