Where the Bardstown DMV Office Is Located

The Bardstown DMV office is located at 107 North Third Street, Bardstown, Kentucky 40004. This is the Nelson County branch of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing. The office sits in downtown Bardstown, near the courthouse area.

If you are using GPS or a mapping app, search for "Kentucky DMV Bardstown" or enter the street address directly. Street parking is available on North Third Street and nearby side streets. There is no dedicated DMV parking lot, so plan to park on the street and walk to the entrance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bardstown DMV is at 107 North Third Street in downtown Bardstown and handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, and title services for Nelson County.
  • Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm because hours change seasonally and for holidays.
  • You can reach the office by phone at (502) 348-3506 to ask about wait times, required documents, or whether a service is available that day.
  • Kentucky DMV offices do not take appointments, so you arrive during business hours and take a number; arriving early in the morning usually means shorter waits.
  • If the Bardstown office cannot handle your transaction, staff can direct you to the nearest office that can, which is usually Elizabethtown or Louisville.

Hours of Operation and When to Go

The Bardstown DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and all state holidays. Hours may shift during the winter months or around major holidays, so calling ahead is the safest way to confirm the office will be open when you plan to visit.

The office does not operate by appointment. You walk in during business hours, take a number from the ticket dispenser, and wait for your turn. Morning hours, especially Tuesday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., tend to have shorter waits than afternoon hours. Avoid the last hour before closing, when the office may not accept new customers.

If you need to reach the office before coming in, call (502) 348-3506. Staff can tell you whether the office is open that day, how long the current wait is, and whether they can handle the specific service you need. This call takes five minutes and can save you a trip.

What Services the Bardstown Office Provides

The Bardstown DMV handles the most common driver and vehicle services for Nelson County residents. These include issuing and renewing driver licenses, issuing state ID cards, renewing vehicle registration, issuing vehicle titles, and processing address changes on licenses and registrations.

The office also handles commercial driver license (CDL) services, including written tests and medical certification reviews. However, the Bardstown location does not conduct road tests for regular driver licenses or CDLs. If you need a road test, you must go to the Elizabethtown DMV or the Louisville regional office.

Some specialized services—such as duplicate titles, lien releases, or out-of-state title transfers—may require a trip to a larger regional office. When you call ahead, ask whether the Bardstown office can handle your specific transaction. If not, staff will tell you which office to visit instead.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a driver license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office at all—check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see whether your renewal is may be able to access.

For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. For a title process or transfer, bring the previous title (if you have one), a bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of residency, and payment. Address changes on a license or registration require proof of your new address.

If you are unsure what documents you need for your specific transaction, call the Bardstown office at (502) 348-3506 before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip. Staff can tell you exactly what to bring so you can complete your transaction in one visit.

Fees and Payment Methods

DMV fees in Kentucky vary by service and are set by state law. A driver license renewal costs between $20 and $30 depending on how many years you are renewing for. A new driver license costs more than a renewal. Vehicle registration renewal costs depend on your vehicle's weight and age. A vehicle title process costs $10 to $15.

The Bardstown office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the "State Treasurer." Exact amounts are not required, but bringing exact change or a card speeds up the transaction. Ask about the current fee for your specific service when you call ahead.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

Kentucky allows some DMV transactions to be completed by mail or online without visiting an office. Driver license renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and address changes can often be done online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. You can also mail in renewal applications if you prefer not to visit the office.

Not all transactions may have access to for mail or online service. New licenses, new registrations, title transfers, and road tests must be done in person. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website lists which services you can handle remotely. If your transaction requires an office visit and you cannot reach Bardstown, the Elizabethtown DMV is about 30 minutes away and handles the same services.

Nearby DMV Offices If Bardstown Is Closed or Busy

If the Bardstown office is closed or has a very long wait, the nearest alternative is the Elizabethtown DMV at 410 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701. This office is about 30 minutes north of Bardstown and handles all the same services. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach it at (270) 769-2020.

For more specialized services or if you need a road test, the Louisville Regional Office at 2635 Crums Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40209 handles a wider range of transactions. This office is about 45 minutes from Bardstown. Call (502) 696-1600 to confirm hours and services before you drive there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at the Bardstown DMV?

No. The Bardstown office operates on a walk-in basis only. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait for your turn. There is no way to reserve a time slot in advance. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait than going in the afternoon.

Can I renew my driver license online instead of going to the office?

Many Kentucky driver licenses can be renewed online or by mail without visiting an office. Check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website to see if your license is may be able to access. If it is, you can complete the renewal from home and your new license will be mailed to you. If your license is not may be able to access for remote renewal, you must visit the Bardstown office in person.

What if I need a road test for my driver license?

The Bardstown DMV does not conduct road tests. You must go to the Elizabethtown DMV or the Louisville Regional Office to take your road test. Call ahead to schedule a road test appointment, as these are not walk-in services at those locations.

How long does it take to get a new driver license at the Bardstown office?

Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is that day. Morning visits usually take 30 to 60 minutes from arrival to completion. Afternoon visits can take longer. Call (502) 348-3506 to ask about the current wait time before you go. Your actual transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter.

Can the Bardstown office handle out-of-state title transfers?

Some out-of-state title transfers can be handled at the Bardstown office, but complex cases may need to go to a regional office. Call (502) 348-3506 with details about your transfer before you visit. Staff will tell you whether Bardstown can handle it or whether you need to go elsewhere.