If you are looking for the “DMV” in Louisville to handle your car’s tags or title, you are actually looking for the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. It is critical to know that Kentucky has split its services into two separate agencies. If you go to the wrong one, you will be turned away.
-
Go to the Jefferson County Clerk (this office) for Vehicle Registration, License Plates, and Titles.
-
Go to the KYTC (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) for Driver’s Licenses, Permits, and REAL ID. The County Clerk cannot help you with driver’s licenses.
This guide focuses on the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office (Downtown Branch) and how to schedule your visit.
Downtown Branch Location & Hours
While there are 8 total branches across Jefferson County (including Dixie, Highview, and Westport), the Downtown branch is the central hub for motor vehicle services.
Parking Tip: Metered street parking is available on Jefferson Street, but it fills up fast. There are several paid parking garages nearby.
Services Available at the County Clerk (Motor Vehicles)
This office deals strictly with the car, not the driver.
-
Vehicle Registration: New registrations and annual renewals.
-
Title Transfers: Buying or selling a vehicle (private sale or dealer).
-
License Plates: Standard, Personalized, and Specialty plates.
-
Handicap Placards: Application and renewal.
-
Lien Releases: Removing a paid-off loan from your title.
Services NOT Available Here (Go to KYTC)
Do not come here for the following. You must visit a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office instead:
-
Driver’s License Renewals
-
Learner’s Permits & Road Tests
-
REAL ID Applications
-
CDL Services
How to Schedule an Appointment (Skip the Line)
While walk-ins are accepted, the Jefferson County Clerk strongly encourages using their online tools to avoid long waits, especially at the end of the month.
Online Appointment Scheduler
-
Visit the Portal: Go to the official Jefferson County Clerk Appointment Page.
-
Select Branch: You can choose the Downtown branch or any of the suburban branches (Dixie, Westport, etc.).
-
Choose Service: Select “Motor Vehicle.”
-
Confirm: You will receive a notification to show upon arrival.
Walk-In Policy
Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday. However, you must be in line before 3:30 PM to ensure you are served before closing.
Accepted Payment Methods
Unlike many DMV offices that are “Cash Only,” the Jefferson County Clerk offers flexible payment options.
2025 Holiday Closures
The office observes all state and federal holidays. Plan your visit to avoid these dates:
-
New Year’s Day: Jan 1
-
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Jan 20
-
Good Friday: (Half Day)
-
Memorial Day: May 26
-
Independence Day: July 4
-
Labor Day: Sept 1
-
Veterans Day: Nov 11
-
Thanksgiving: Nov 27-28
-
Christmas: Dec 24-25
Conclusion
The most common mistake Louisville drivers make is going to the County Clerk for a driver’s license. Remember: Clerk = Cars and KYTC = Licenses. For the smoothest experience at the Downtown Branch, bring a check or cash to avoid credit card fees, and try to visit mid-month to avoid the registration renewal rush.
Add Comment