Under KRS Chapters 186, 187, 189A, 218A, 281A, and KRS 159.051, the Division of Driver Licensing maintains driver history records for approximately three million drivers. The Division issues licenses to commercial drivers who meet statutory requirements. The Division also enforces driver's license suspensions, revocations, and driver limitation programs. It operates State Traffic School programs, including the Graduated Licensing program.
The Division of Motor Carriers is responsible for the regulation of the trucking and lease/rental industries. The division also collects various taxes from the motor carrier industry, including the weight-distance tax.
The Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing provides for the titling and registration of motor vehicles and boats in accordance with KRS Chapters 186, 186A, 235, and 376. It maintains the Automated Vehicle Information System (AVIS) and controls title distribution functions. Registration and title applications are initiated through local county clerks' offices.
Newly created in 2012, the Division of Customer Service provides a single point of contact for all telephone calls to the Department of Vehicle Regulation in support of over 3 million public customers, Circuit Clerks, County Clerks, and commercial businesses.
Pursuant to KRS Chapter 190, the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission licenses and regulates motor vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and salespersons. It is funded through license fees that are deposited into a Restricted Fund account.
Policy
Additional Road Fund of $5,035,600 in fiscal year 2026, $20,380,600 in fiscal year 2027, and $19,848,100 in fiscal year 2028 has been included to support the opening of six new driver licensing offices, making the total number of regional driver license offices 40, and to increase staffing at existing offices. This will address the wait times experienced by residents renewing driver licenses and Real ID's or obtaining credentials for the first time.
The Governor's budget includes additional funding in the amount of $542,800 in fiscal year 2027 and $1,114,600 in fiscal year 2028 to fund a 2% salary increment in fiscal year 2027 and an additional 2% in fiscal year 2028.
An additional $3,600,000 restricted funds each year has been added to support the ongoing operations of the KAVIS system.
Additional Road Fund of $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2028 has been added to support maintenance of the new drivers licensing system, known as KINDLE.
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