Permit documents — Kentucky Permit Test

A Kentucky permit applicant must bring one proof of identity, an original birth certificate or certified copy.

A photocopy is turned away every time, so the original has to be found before the trip rather than after it.

One (1) proof of identity document – original Birth Certificate or certified copy

A Kentucky permit applicant must bring the Social Security card itself as proof of the Social Security number.

The number written down is not enough. The office wants to see the card.

One (1) proof of Social Security number – Bring Social Security Card

A Kentucky permit applicant must bring one proof of Kentucky residency dated less than one year old, and two are required for a REAL ID.

An old utility bill fails the test. The document has to be from the last twelve months.

One (1) proof of applicant’s Kentucky residency dated less than one year.

Photocopies will not be accepted for any required Kentucky document.

One line covers every document on the list, and it is the reason most people are sent home.

PHOTOCOPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

An applicant whose current legal name, date of birth or gender differs from the identity document must show legal proof of the change, and the Social Security card must be updated first.

The name on the card and the name on the certificate have to match, and Social Security has to be told before Kentucky is.

Your name must be updated on your Social Security card before applying for a driver’s license.

What proof of identity must a Kentucky permit applicant bring?

An original birth certificate or certified copy. A photocopy is turned away every time, so the original has to be found before the trip rather than after it. Kentucky Driver Manual, p.9: “One (1) proof of identity document – original Birth Certificate or certified copy”