What to Bring to the Kentucky DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Schedule an appointment online to skip the long lines
- →Have your parent/guardian review the KY Driver's Manual with you
- →Double-check that all documents are originals, not copies
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in
- →Make sure your parent knows they need to bring their own ID
- →Practice the written test online using free Kentucky practice exams
- →Verify your address matches exactly on all your residency documents
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- ✓Valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Unexpired Foreign Passport with valid U.S. Visa and I-94
You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted. If you want a REAL ID, ensure your birth certificate or passport is certified.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card (original)
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓Paystub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
Kentucky generally requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, you must visit the Social Security Administration first to get one; there is no waiver for teens.
Proof of Kentucky Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) issued within the last 60 days
- ✓Bank statement or credit card statement
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement
- ✓School transcript or report card with current address
- ✓Medical or insurance document
For a standard license, one document is usually enough, but for REAL ID, you must bring two different documents proving your Kentucky address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application form in front of the DMV clerk
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
- ✓Both parents must sign if they share custody unless one has sole custody
If a parent cannot be present, a notarized consent form is required, but it is much easier if they just come with you.
Proof of Driver's Education
- ✓Certificate of Completion from a state-approved driver education course
- ✓School-based driver ed transcript
In Kentucky, teens under 18 MUST complete a state-approved driver education course (30 hours classroom + 4 hours behind-the-wheel) before getting their permit.
Fees & Payment
$12
This fee covers the learner's permit. If you fail the written test, there is a small fee to retake it, but the permit fee itself is paid once.
Accepted payment:
Forms
DL-180TD (Application for Driver's License/Permit)
Available at: DMV office or download from drive.ky.gov
Do not sign the form until you are standing in front of the DMV clerk; they need to watch you sign it.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (use it to study before you go, but silence it during the test)
- ✗A large backpack or bag (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (they can't help you take the test)
- ✗Pets (unless it's a service animal)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating in the testing area)
- ✗Your own pen (they will provide one)
- ✗Fake documents or photocopies of originals
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based and multiple choice
- →You must pass with a score of 80% or higher
- →If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit immediately
- →Your hard plastic card will arrive by mail in about 2-3 weeks
Official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing info: drive.ky.gov
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