(FRANKFORT, Ky.) (Jan. 14, 2026) — Kentucky counties could soon offer driver’s license renewal services locally under legislation that advanced unanimously out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, would allow participating county offices to process license renewals and duplicates, addressing complaints from constituents about long drives and wait times at regional offices.
“Unless you have a regional office in your backyard, every one of us has heard the same message from constituents that the current driver’s license system is not meeting the needs of Kentucky,” Reed told committee members.
Key Provisions
The legislation would permit counties to voluntarily offer renewal and duplicate services only — not first-time licensing or testing. Multiple constitutional offices, including county clerks, circuit clerks, sheriffs and county judge executives, would be eligible to provide the services.
Reed emphasized the measure includes no mandates. Counties choosing to participate would charge a $25 convenience fee retained locally to cover costs and “avoid an unfunded mandate.”
The bill also allows interlocal agreements, enabling counties to share personnel, equipment or space to implement the program.
Bipartisan Support
The measure has drawn broad backing, with 28 Senate cosponsors including the minority floor leader.
“This is truly a bipartisan bill,” said Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, praising Reed’s work building coalition support.
Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, noted the strain the current system places on rural residents, particularly those with health issues. “If you’re in a rural area and you have any kind of health issues, whatever, it becomes a boondoggle,” Smith said.
Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville, said aging Kentuckians would particularly benefit from having local renewal options.
When Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, asked about potential fraud concerns, Reed said the legislation wouldn’t directly address fraud but could improve accountability by placing responsibility on locally elected officials.
Senate Bill 7 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
