Vision screening will be required in Kentucky next year for anyone renewing a Kentucky driver’s license. This new requirement, enacted during the 2021 General Assembly, aims to promote highway safety by ensuring that all drivers maintain good vision throughout their driving career. Multiple states also have adopted mandatory vision screenings, including Indiana, Ohio and Missouri, to ensure drivers have the visual acuity required to operate a vehicle safely. House Bill 439, signed into law by Gov. Beshear after the state legislature passed it three years ago, takes effect on January 1, 2025. Key details of the new vision screening process include:
- Vision screenings can be completed at no cost at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional Office at the time of license renewal and, on average, takes less than 1 minute to complete.
- Drivers also have the option of conducting a vision exam with their vision specialist (optometrist/ophthalmologist), or a vision screening with a KYTC-credentialed osteopath, physician, or advanced practice registered nurse in advance of their license renewal visit. Starting in 2025, upon request, the medical professional will complete an approved state-issued form that they will give to the patient if they pass. The patient may bring the form to their license renewal visit if the form and exam were completed within 12 months of the license renewal visit. The driver will not need to take a vision screening at a regional office.
- If a driver does not pass the vision screening at a regional office, they will be instructed to see a vision specialist for corrective measures before proceeding with license renewal.
- Kentuckians are encouraged to bring corrective lenses if conducting a vision screening at a regional office. A restriction will be placed on your license if you pass the vision screening while wearing glasses.
- Vision screenings can only be performed once at a regional office during each renewal cycle.
- Online and mail-in driver’s license renewal will still be available after Jan. 1, 2025 for Kentuckians who choose to complete a screening with a vision or qualifying medical specialist. The cardholder simply needs to upload the official, signed form provided by their medical professional when renewing on drive.ky.gov.