Kentucky officials report shorter waits at driver licensing branches

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky officials said wait times at state driver licensing offices are improving after months of long lines and appointment delays.

Gov. Andy Beshear said the slowdown was tied in part to a shift requiring more residents to complete key services in person at regional licensing centers instead of local offices or online.

Those services include getting a new state ID, renewing a driver’s license that requires a vision screening, and applying for learner’s permits under Kentucky’s expanded teen driving rules allowing 15-year-olds to begin driving.

The increased demand led to longer waits at several locations, frustrating drivers across the state.

Beshear said the situation is now getting better, pointing to operational changes and a push for more residents to use online tools when available before visiting a branch.

State officials said they will continue working to reduce wait times and improve efficiency as traffic at the centers levels out.