New regional licensing office now open in London

There is also more documentation that must be presented to get a REAL ID than what is required for a standard license.

With the Whitley County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office ceasing to issue driver’s licenses beyond this Friday, the opening of a new driver license regional office in London couldn’t have come at a better time for area residents.

The new regional office in London is located at 845 S. Main Street within the Carnaby Square Shopping Center in London. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to a press release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the new office will provide a variety of services, including issuance, renewal or updating of driver licenses, learner permits, commercial driver licenses (CDL) and identification cards. These credentials will be available in either standard-issue form or as a REAL ID, which will be required beginning May 3, 2023, if you are 18 or over and want to board a commercial flight, access a military base or a federal building that currently requires identification. There will also be an option of a four-year or eight-year credential.

In addition to the new office, those needing to renew their driver’s license can do so online, at www.drive.ky.gov. The online option can be used for Kentucky driver’s licenses, motorcycle license or a combination of the two. Anyone needing to renew a CDL will have to do so in person at a regional office. Those who want to obtain a REAL ID or upgrade a four-year license to eight years must also visit a regional office.

There is also more documentation that must be presented to get a REAL ID than what is required for a standard license. To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide the following when visiting a regional office:

– Proof of identity document, such as a birth certificate. (An existing, current driver’s license does not qualify.)

– Proof of social security number.

– Proof of residency, such as mail addressed to you. Two pieces of mail are required and forward mail does not qualify.

– Proof of all legal identify changes.

The cost for a REAL ID is $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. If your current license’s expiration date is six months or more away, you can upgrade to a REAL ID for $15. If upgrading, the REAL ID will maintain the expiration of your current license.

Additional information can be found by visiting www.drive.ky.gov.