You may, at times, feel overwhelmed by the Kentucky DMV. After all, it seems like the rules change just a little bit every year, and if you don’t turn in all the right forms or include all the required steps when applying for a license or registering your car, you may have to start all over again. But as intimidating as the DMV may initially seem, it can be a painless experience once you familiarize yourself with the processes involved. Most of the things you’ll be doing at the DMV follow similar steps, and, best of all, everything you need to know is available online to look up ahead of time and clarify any confusion.
How to Find the Closest Kentucky DMV Branch
There are DMV offices spread throughout the state; it’s a good idea to find out which branches are closest to where you live, as some services require you to go in person to a physical office. This includes common services such as applying for a new license and registering or titling a car for the first time. You can look up the nearest Kentucky DMV branch online.
Setting an Appointment
Unfortunately, the Kentucky DMV does not allow appointments for most of their services. However, for major service such as a drivers license road test, you can book an appointment by calling your local office. For all other services, you’ll have to show up in person and be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can cut down on the time it takes to do these by showing up during non-peak hours, or using the DMV’s many online functions.
DMV Forms in Kentucky
The Kentucky DMV uses a multitude of forms and paperwork to process the important services it provides. Familiarizing yourself with the most common forms at the Kentucky DMV will save you time and potential inconvenience. You can access all the necessary DMV forms by visiting the Kentucky online form library and selecting the ones you will need. You can then print them out and complete them before heading to the DMV office.
Kentucky’s Point System
To keep track of good and bad drivers, Kentucky employs a point system similar to those of other states. If a driver accumulates 12 or more points in a two-year period, they will be required to attend a hearing with the possibility of incurring a suspended license or other consequences. If that weren’t enough, accumulating points can lead to higher auto insurance rates or even outright rejection of coverage altogether. Speeding will net you between 3 and 6 points, while other violations like reckless driving and tailgating will give you 4 or 5. You can check how many points you currently have by ordering a copy of your driving record.
Obtaining a Copy of Your Kentucky Driving Record
Gaining access to your Kentucky driving record is extremely easy. All you have to do is go to the online Kentucky Driver History Record Keeper and provide your full name and driver’s license number. After paying $5 in fees, you will get easy access to the last three years of your driving history, including any violations you may have committed and points which may still be on your record. Employers often check driving records in jobs which require transportation to ensure you’re safe on the road, and insurance providers may even peruse them to determine your rates in the future.
