The Kentucky Senate on Friday approved a measure overhauling how driver’s licenses are issued. It is the first bill to clear either legislative chamber in the 2026 session.

Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, would return driver’s license renewal and duplicate services to local offices in those counties instead of through a regional licensing office. Licenses could be renewed at either the circuit clerk, county clerk, county sheriff or county judge/executive offices, through agreements with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

The bill is in response to growing public frustration with long wait times and limited appointment availability at the regional offices, leading to serious concerns about how Kentucky’s driver licensing system is operating under the state executive branch’s control.

“This is part of our responsibility in making sure that government works for the people that we represent.” Reed said while presenting SB 7 on the Senate floor. “Across Kentucky, our constituents have told us clearly that the current system for driver’s license services is not working. Long drives, long lines, missed work, missed school, for a basic government service. The burden has fallen too heavily on the people.”

While the issuance of REAL IDs would remain in the hands of the regional offices, renewals and duplicate REAL IDs could also be done by county governments.

Reed noted the bill is not about expanding government. “It’s about restoring a service that once worked well and putting it back into the hands of those closest to the citizens that it serves.”

Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, spoke against the bill. “It does not address the issues, and I feel we should be passing a stronger piece of legislation to start the work.”

The bill passed 34-1, with Tichenor casting the lone “no” vote. It now heads to the House.

Lawmakers will not convene on Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday. The chambers will next meet on Tuesday at 4 p.m. (ET).


The Kentucky Senate approved a measure that changes how Kentuckians can get their driver's licenses. (Kentucky Today/Tom Latek)