Grayson County residents will soon have to travel a short distance to obtain or renew a driver’s license and state identification, as well as for driver testing needs.
As of December 29, 2021, Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk Stacie Blain said her office “will no longer be handling driver testing, licensing or state identification issuance, including renewals.”
(The clerk’s office has never issued Real I.D. cards.)
“When state offices reopen on January 3, 2022, those seeking a license, testing or renewals will need to travel to a regional office,” Blain said. “Currently, the closest offices are in Elizabethtown, Bowling Green and Owensboro. Renewals may also be completed online at drive.ky.gov or by mail.”
Blain and her staff will be available to assist with paperwork for anyone wanting to renew by mail.
“For anyone whose renewal comes due within the next six months, license and state I.D. cardholders are eligible to renew now, and can do so at the Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, or through our office’s website or mail,” Blain said.
Blain added that currently, CDL renewals must be completed in-person.
A standard driver’s license is $20, with a state I.D. card costing $12. A Real I.D. card (needed after May 2023 to fly, enter a military base and enter a federal building) is $48. Blain notes that Real I.D. cards do not expire for eight years, compared to four years for a standard driver’s license.
Regional offices in Elizabethtown, Bowling Green and Owensboro also process Real I.D. cards, Blain said.
“The Real I.D. system is a more secure form of identification, requiring several documents such as mail with a physical address, current license, a certified birth certificate, and Social Security card,” Blain stated.
Anyone who does not have a certified copy of one’s birth certificate may obtain the document from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort, and can be reached by calling 502-564-4212.
“Testing for written and driving exams for licensing will see more opportunities at the regional offices, with dedicated staff working five days a week,” Blain said.
Appointments for testing are required and may be made through drive.ky.gov.
Blain said her office will always be available to assist anyone with answering questions regarding the licensing or renewal process.
The Elizabethtown regional office is at 1055 North Mulberry Street; the Bowling Green regional office is at 360 East 8th Avenue, Suite 111; the Owensboro regional office is at 2620 Hwy 81.
(Photo: Stacie Blain, Grayson County Circuit Court Clerk)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
