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FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Kentuckians looking for a more convenient way to renew their driver’s license may soon have more options, as legislation approved by the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday would allow third-party entities to offer driver’s license renewal services.

“This legislation would leverage a tool already being used in other states to increase the access and availability of driver’s license renewal services for Kentuckians,” said Rep. Kevin Jackson, R-Bowling Green, the main sponsor of House Bill 161.

In 2022, the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation to create 34 regional centers for issuing driver’s licenses and renewals, which was a change from the services being offered in all 120 counties. Jackson said this has caused issues for many Kentuckians.

“Many folks are forced to drive long distances, wait in long lines, and deal with people they’ve never met before,” he said. “We ask the public to get online to make appointments, but many don’t have a computer or Wi-Fi.”

Today, roughly 28 states allow third-party entities, like AAA or insurance offices, to offer driver’s license renewals, Jackson said. Under HB 161, businesses seeking to offer driver’s license renewal services would have to undergo an approval process through the 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 said.

Rep. Matthew Lehman, D-Newport, asked Jackson if Kentuckians would be able to renew a REAL ID at a third-party site. After May 7, a 2005 federal law will go into effect requiring Americans to have a REAL ID or a passport in order to board a commercial airplane.

Jackson said, yes, the third-party site would be able to do renewals, but would not be able to issue a brand-new REAL ID.

Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, D-Lexington, asked Jackson if the third-party entities would be able to do the new state-required vision test for driver’s license renewals.

Jackson confirmed the vision test would not be an issue. “They would have to have the refraction machine in these locations just like they would at the 34 driver’s license centers,” he said.

The bill now heads to the House floor.