In a plot twist nobody expected from the DMV, Kentucky has decided to waive fees for a whole bunch of essential driving documents. Driver’s licenses, IDs, registrations, and even titles are now free for some Kentucky residents.

This isn’t a promo, a discount code, or a buy-one-get-one-free situation. It’s part of a real executive order from Governor Andy Beshear, issued after the devastating tornadoes which ripped through parts of the state in mid-May 2025. The order gives drivers in disaster-affected areas one less thing to stress over, especially when their mailbox may currently be wedged in a tree.

What exactly is being offered?

Governor Beshear’s executive order waives fees and suspends the usual requirements for reissuing crucial driving documents. Basically, if a tornado messed up your life (and your paperwork), you can now get replacements at zero cost.

This applies to:

• Duplicate driver’s licenses and ID cards: If yours was lost, soaked, or yeeted into another ZIP code, you can request a fresh one—free of charge.
• Vehicle documents: That includes duplicate registrations, titles, and paperwork for vehicle liens. Normally you’d pay a small fortune for that stack of paper. Now? Nada.

Under normal conditions, these fees range from $3 for a duplicate registration to $48 for an eight-year REAL ID license. It’s not quite student loan forgiveness, but it’s a win in the middle of a rough season.

Who qualifies?

The executive order covers residents in the following counties:

• Caldwell
• Christian
• Laurel
• Pulaski
• Russell
• Todd
• Trigg
• Union

Also included are any counties declared a major disaster area by the federal government or added to the emergency list in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado outbreak.

If you’re not sure whether your county qualifies, here’s a solid test: if your street looks like it hosted a blender full of trees, debris, and power lines last week, you’re probably eligible.

How to apply for free licenses and documents

This is where things actually get refreshingly simple. Here’s what to do:

1. For licenses and ID cards: Head to any Regional Driver Licensing Office in Kentucky. They’ll take care of your request, no questions about your damaged documents necessary (though you may need to prove residency).
2. For vehicle-related paperwork: Go to your local county clerk’s office. They’ll handle titles, lien statements, and registration forms—again, no fees if you live in a qualifying county.

Just bring some proof of residence—a utility bill, mail, or even a tattered driver’s license if it survived the storm.

Laurel County alone saw wind speeds hit 170 mph, leveling homes and damaging over 1,500 buildings. In total, the storms killed at least 19 people statewide and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. With so many rebuilding their lives, even something as basic as getting a replacement license becomes a major burden.

That’s where this executive order comes in—it’s not flashy, but it’s practical help at the exact right time.

Real help, not red tape

Let’s be real—most of us expect any government program to come with a side of confusion and three rounds of paperwork. But this one’s different. The state isn’t asking for online forms, long lines, or complicated proof. You just walk in, ask for what you lost, and walk out with it—free.

It’s the government doing something helpful… and on time. (We’re as shocked as you are.)

For thousands of Kentuckians recovering from one of the worst tornado seasons in recent memory, this isn’t just about a plastic card. It’s about mobility, freedom, and access. A driver’s license isn’t just for the road—it’s your way back to work, to school, to your life.

The 2025 NBA Draft is less than one month away. And while the Big Blue Nation continues to wait on Otega Oweh‘s stay-or-go decision, there are a handful of former Kentucky Wildcats hoping to hear their names called during June’s two-day draft in Brooklyn.

Oweh’s name is not being mentioned on most mock drafts ahead of Wednesday night’s withdrawal deadline. But the 6-foot-5 All-SEC guard is still taking every pre-draft workout and interview he can before making his decision. Which teams has Oweh met with? The kind folks over at HoopsHype have put together a list of confirmed draft workouts for dozens of prospects across several NBA franchises.

So far, Oweh has met with the following teams: Boston Celtics (pick No. 28, 32), Brooklyn Nets (No. 8, 19, 26, 27, 36), Houston Rockets (No. 10, 59), and Portland Trail Blazers (No. 11). His most recent workout was with the Nets earlier this week. He’s likely met with more than just these four franchises, too.

But he’s not the only Wildcat going through the pre-draft process. The likes of Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, and Amari Williams have also been partaking in workouts with NBA teams, according to HoopsHype, which reports Butler has met with at least four teams already. While Oweh was invited to and participated in the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month in Chicago, Butler, Carr, and Williams did not.

The pre-draft workouts are especially important for those three if they hope to sign undrafted contracts in the event they aren’t selected come draft day.

Lamont Butler

• Atlanta Hawks (No. 13, 22)
• Los Angeles Clippers (No. 30, 51)
• Los Angeles Lakers (No. 55)
• Toronto Raptors (No. 9, 39)

Andrew Carr

• Houston Rockets (No. 10, 59)

Amari Williams

• Sacramento Kings (No. 42)

We’re not going to forget to mention Koby Brea, either. Projected by most mock drafts to land somewhere in the second round, Brea had — much like Oweh — a productive showing at the NBA Draft Combine. HoopsHype doesn’t mention Brea’s pre-draft workouts, but he’s certainly been around the block.

KSR has learned that Brea has workouts with the Orlando Magic (No. 16, 25, 46, 57) and Los Angeles Clippers this week. A workout with the Boston Celtics is on the schedule, as well. The 6-foot-7 sharpshooter has also reportedly been linked to the Miami Heat (No. 20). The Herald Leader reported Brea met with the Memphis Grizzlies (No. 48, 56) at the Combine and had “several” other meetings scheduled for that week in Chicago.

It feels like we’re inching toward the not-so-crazy idea of Brea being a potential first-round sleeper. On Tuesday, The Ringer updated its Big Board, made up of the platform’s top 50 NBA Draft prospects. Brea was listed at 38th, with J. Kyle Mann writing, “When you’re that level of a threat (shooting three-pointers), teams will find ways to get you on the floor.” Oweh’s name was left off the list.

The 2025 NBA Draft is set for June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Monday, May 26, 2025 winning numbers for each game

Cash Ball

04-20-27-32, Cash Ball: 15

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Lucky For Life

12-15-19-22-33, Lucky Ball: 03

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 5-6-7

Midday: 8-0-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 7-4-4-1

Midday: 1-4-6-5

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball

13-47-52-64-67, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball Double Play

07-13-27-29-67, Powerball: 08

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.