Lawmaker looks to make it more convenient to renew driver’s license

Since the issuance and renewal of driver’s licenses moved from county clerks offices to regional licensing centers several years ago, people have complained about long drives followed by long lines to get their licenses and Real IDs.

However, one lawmaker may have a solution at hand to ease the burden. House Bill 161, filed by state Rep. Kevin Jackson, R-Bowling Green, would allow third-party entities to issue driver’s license renewals.

“Many Kentuckians are forced to drive long distances and endure long waits at driver’s license offices across the state,” Jackson said. “I filed HB 161 to make it easier for Kentuckians to get their driver’s licenses renewed.”

With only 34 driver’s license offices to serve all 120 Kentucky counties, many residents face challenges in obtaining renewals. Under this measure, third-party entities wishing to issue driver’s license renewals would have to apply to and receive approval from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Twenty-eight other states already allow third-party entities to issue driver’s license renewals. A third-party entity could include AAA offices, insurance offices or other government agencies that wish to participate and are approved by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

“Allowing third party entities to issue driver’s license renewals will help streamline the process and make it more accessible for all Kentuckians,” Jackson added.

If the measure is approved, the convenience it provides would come with a price for consumers. In addition to the normal driver’s license fees set forth in state law, a third-party entity that processes applications for these identity documents under the legislation may charge an additional fee for providing the service.

The bill has been assigned to the House Transportation Committee, and a hearing on the proposed legislation has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11.

(Photo: State Rep. Kevin Jackson, R-Bowling Green)

By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today