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How to get a driver's license in Kentucky as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Kentucky needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit for up to one year from admission.
Deadline after moving
30 days after establishing Kentucky residency
License exchange without tests
2 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
First-time applicants must bring their Social Security card.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit for up to one year from admission. Deadline after moving: 30 days after establishing Kentucky residency.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Taiwan
  • South Korea

Holders of a valid license from Taiwan or South Korea take only the vision test.

If your country is not on the list

Other foreign license holders take vision, written and road tests; if the country is not accepted by the U.S., they must start with a permit.

Holds a valid license from a reciprocity country (Taiwan & South Korea) drive.ky.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • I-797C
  • Other USCIS documents proving lawful status (asylee, refugee, parolee)

License validity: License expires with the applicant's USCIS documents.

A license or ID card issued to a non-U.S. citizen will expire with their USCIS documents. drive.ky.gov

Social Security number

First-time applicants must bring their Social Security card.

First-time applicants must bring their Social Security card. drive.ky.gov

Proof of residency

One proof of Kentucky residency dated within the last year; two for REAL ID.

One proof of Kentucky residency dated less than one year. drive.ky.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather original immigration, identity, Social Security and Kentucky residency documents.
  2. Schedule a written and vision test with the Kentucky State Police.
  3. Pass the written and vision tests, then get your learner's permit at a Driver Licensing Regional Office.
  4. Hold the permit for 30 days and practice with a licensed driver.
  5. Schedule the road skills test with the Kentucky State Police; a licensed driver age 21+ must come with you.
  6. Pass the road test and return to the Regional Office to get your license (valid until your USCIS documents expire).
  7. Reciprocity license holders (Taiwan, South Korea) take only the vision test.

Fees

Learner's permit $15 ($18 for REAL ID). License fee not confirmed.

A permit is $15.00 ($18.00 REAL ID). drive.ky.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Kentucky

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.