Kentucky
Good news for drivers in Kentucky—the state is launching free driver's licenses in several counties, and here's how to apply
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:
- 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).
- 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.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 6-3-0
Midday: 9-6-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 5-7-6-0
Midday: 5-2-6-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
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.
On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.
In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.
John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)
In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.
Kentucky hits the road at Texas
This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.
Which game could be a trap?
We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.
Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.
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Fourth of July festivities to celebrate in Louisville
See the Fourth of July festivities planned in Louisville for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.
Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?
Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.
Are fireworks legal in Louisville?
In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.
If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.
But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky
How to use fireworks safely
The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:
- Use fireworks outdoors.
- Obey local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
- Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
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