Driver’s license renewals now require vision screenings

By EmmaRose Atwood, Building Kentucky

When Kentucky’s Driver Licensing Regional Offices reopened after the New Year’s Day holiday, they began standard vision screenings as part of the driver’s license renewal process. These screenings will help ensure everyone on the road maintains good vision to keep themselves and their passengers safe on Kentucky’s roadways.  

The new vision screening requirement, enacted during the 2021 General Assembly, aims to increase highway safety by ensuring that drivers maintain good vision throughout their years of driving. Drivers who do not pass the free initial screening at a Driver Licensing Regional Office will need to see a vision specialist for a secondary examination and possible corrective measures. If approved for renewal, they will then be able to return to a regional office with a certification form completed by their vision specialist. 

House Bill 439, signed into law by Gov. Beshear after the state legislature passed it during the 2021 legislative session, took effect on January 1, 2025. Screenings can be completed at no cost at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional Office at the time of license renewal. Vision screenings at the time of renewal, on average, take less than one minute to complete. 

Although not required, appointments for driver’s license renewals are strongly recommended. State law allows residents to renew their licenses up to 180 days before their expiration date. Kentuckians are advised to renew early should they need any corrective measures to improve their vision while their current licenses are still valid. Drivers 21 years old or older can renew their driver’s license for four or eight years.  

Additional information for drivers includes: 

  • Drivers can also participate in an exam with their vision specialist before their appointment. Medical providers will complete a state-approved form that will be provided to patients when they pass. The exam must have been completed less than 12 months before the renewal visit and people with the form from a vision specialist will not need screening at a regional office.  
  • Kentuckians are encouraged to bring corrective lenses if they want to participate in a vision screening at a regional office. A restriction will be placed on your license if you pass the vision screening while wearing glasses. 
  • Online and mail-in license renewal will still be available for Kentuckians who choose to complete a screening with a vision or qualifying medical specialist. Cardholders can upload the official, signed form provided by their medical professional when renewing on drive.ky.gov.  

The Education and Labor Cabinet’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) existing Bioptic Driving program helps eligible Kentuckians with certain visual impairments earn their drivers’ licenses. Using a combination of regular eyeglasses and a small telescopic lens system, bioptic driving improves the driver’s distance vision, allowing them to meet the state vision test requirements to safely operate a vehicle. To learn more about the Bioptic Driving Program, check out this short video or visit KY OVR.  

Kentucky CDL carriers with a valid, unexpired license are exempt from participating in a vision screening when renewing their licenses as their annual required medical certification process includes vision screening.  

For more information about the vision screening requirement and how to prepare for your driver’s license renewal, visit drive.ky.gov/visionscreening.  

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