June 18, 2024 | Kentucky Law
Congratulations! Whether you’re a brand-new driver or new to the Bluegrass State, getting a driver’s license in Louisville is an important step. If you are a new resident, you must obtain a valid Kentucky license within 30 days of moving to the state. You must also secure car insurance from an agent who is duly licensed to sell coverage in Kentucky.
Tips for New Drivers
The legal age for obtaining a driving permit or license is 16 in Kentucky. If you are under the age of 16 and have a license from another state, you will still have to wait until you are 16 to be a legal driver in Kentucky.
If you have an out-of-state permit and are at least 16 years of age, you may transfer your permit and receive a Kentucky permit before applying for a state driver’s license.
A signed School Compliance Verification form from your out-of-state school is required. You can obtain this from your previous school district.
What You Need To Get a Driver’s License in Louisville
New Louisville residents will find that getting a new driver’s license is a relatively straightforward procedure. If you have a valid out-of-state license, you won’t have to take a driving test. If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, the law requires you to take the written exam and vision exams before being issued a new license.
Visit the Kentucky Driver Licensing website to schedule an appointment to convert your valid license. You will need:
- Birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other proof of your legal presence in the U.S.
- Social Security card
- Valid out-of-state license
- Proof of any name or gender change
- Proof of residence document that is less than one year old
If you are a non-US citizen with a valid license from a foreign reciprocity country, you won’t be required to apply for a driver’s permit.
What if You Have an Out-of-State DUI?
If you hold a Kentucky driver’s license and are convicted of a DUI while driving in another state, your Kentucky license may be suspended. As per Kentucky law, any out-of-state DUI conviction will be handled as if it had occurred in Kentucky.
You cannot obtain a driver’s license in Kentucky if you currently have a suspended license in another state. Whether it was for DUI or another type of criminal offense, the suspension will be recorded on the National Drivers Register (NDR). The NDR tracks licenses that have been suspended, denied, canceled, or revoked.
Contact the Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles to better understand your options.
Other Considerations
Getting a valid driver’s license is only the first step to becoming a responsible driver in Louisville, KY. In addition to obtaining insurance, you must also remember to title your out-of-state vehicle. To complete this task, you’ll need proof of Kentucky insurance, a photo ID, and a completed TC 96-182 form.
You will also need to visit the Office of the County Clerk in Louisville to register your vehicle. Paperwork for this task includes current proof of Kentucky insurance, a photo ID, and money for any applicable fees and taxes.
Drive Safely and Enjoy Louisville
Louisville has so much natural beauty and so many fun places to visit; you’ll be happy you have a driver’s license so you can get around the city safely. Make sure you understand Kentucky’s driving laws, especially those involving alcohol and marijuana.
The more you drive around Louisville, the more you’ll come to appreciate all the city has to offer.
Contact the Louisville Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Louisville
214 Clay Street, Suite A
Louisville, KY 40202
United States
