Renew Your Driver’s License Online

State Extends Remote Renewal Services

Friday, Feb. 2: Edited to more accurately detail how the office handles credit card payments.

Robert Moore

Herald Staff

rmoore@harrodsburgherald.com

Gov. Andy Beshear has extended remote renewal for expired Kentucky driver’s license and ID cards. Mercer County residents can renew or replace their credentials online.

The governor’s executive order applies to Kentucky driver’s licenses, permits and state-issued identification cards that expired or will expire by June 30, 2021. Applicants who require driver testing performed by Kentucky State Police must successfully complete that step before renewing a credential.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of nearly 4,000 Kentuckians, so all of us have a responsibility to minimize its spread however we can,” Gov. Beshear said. “Mail-in renewal of driver’s licenses is just one way to enable people to stay healthy and avoid crowds.”

Those who qualify can apply for renewal or replacement remotely through the circuit court clerk in their county of residence. For Mercer County residents, visit kycourts.gov. From the drop down menu, select the Mercer Circuit Clerk, then select driver’s licensing. The options include scheduling and printing forms, said Dep. Clerk Kelly King.

The mail-in option is not available for REAL IDs or new standard licenses, permits and IDs, all of which must be renewed or obtained in person. Nor does it apply to commercial drivers. King said the office can also handle address changes, but applicants will have to provide proof of address.

Here is a quick guide to online services.

Replacing or renewing an expired or lost driver’s license, permit or ID card. Applicants must complete Form TC 94-191, which is available online at https://kycourts.gov/Documents/covid19/TC94191.pdf, and email it to the Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at MercerCountyDL@kycourts.net. The clerk will use your existing photo, so you don’t need to submit a new photo.

Applicants can pay by cash, check or money order through the secure drop box at the Mercer County Judicial Center.

“We can’t do the credit card via the form,” King said. He also said they can’t take credit card payments over the phone. “I have to have the physical card in order to process that kind of transaction,” he said.  “Some larger offices can probably handle epay or credit cards over the phone, but we’re not set up for that.”

It will take five to seven days to receive your credential by mail once your application has been processed.

Get a Kentucky Driver’s Manual. Visit the Kentucky State Police website, www.kentuckystatepolice.org. Select the manual you need. It will download as a PDF document, which can be printed or saved to your computer.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses. CDLs are issued in-person at the Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. You can also obtain a CDL through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s regional office in Frankfort.

Road Testing. Visit https://kentuckystatepolice.org/drivers-testing to set up a test.

Contact Information. The Mercer Circuit Court Clerk’s office is located at the Mercer County Judicial Center (224 South Main Street, Harrodsburg). Phone: 734-8452. Fax: 734-8454

Payment options. Cash, check, money order delivered via the dropbox at the Mercer County Judicial Center.