Applying for a KY Driver's License as an IPPMI program participant or student
South Korean nationals participating in the IPPMI program have a unique advantage when applying for a Kentucky driver’s license, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and South Korea. This agreement streamlines the licensing process, requiring only a vision test—no written or road tests are needed!
Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, including essential requirements like completing your iCat check-in, obtaining necessary documents, and scheduling your appointment at a Kentucky Driver’s Licensing Regional Office.
Helpful Links
- Licensing Information for Non U.S. citizens
- Driver's Licensing Offices in KY
- Choose your desired location and click 'Schedule Appointment'
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete iCat Pre/Post Arrival E-forms
- Before your departure, complete your Pre-Arrival e-forms in iCat. These e-forms become available as soon as your DS-2019 is created.
- As soon as you have arrived in Lexington, complete your Post-Arrival e-forms in iCat.
- The Post-Arrival e-forms tell the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that you’ve arrived and verifies your immigration status. This is important for step 2.
Step 2: Get a Letter of Ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
- You will need a Letter of Ineligibility from SSA to apply for a driver’s license. This letter confirms you don’t qualify for a Social Security Number.
- Visit the SSA office in person to request this letter. They don’t take appointments, so it’s first-come, first-served.
- Important: Wait at least 10 days after completing your iCat pre/post arrival e-forms (step 1) before going to the SSA. This time is needed for your immigration status to update in their system. If you go too early, they may not process your request and ask you to come back at a later date.
- SSA offices are busiest on Mondays, the morning after federal holidays, and at the start of the month.
- Lexington SSA Office Details:
- Address: 2241 Buena Vista Rd. STE 110, Lexington, KY 40505
- Phone: 1-866-530-7754
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (Closed Saturday–Sunday)
Step 3: Request a Letter of Support from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
- After getting your Letter of Ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (step 2), you will then request a letter from ISSS.
- This letter confirms you are a student in good standing at the University of Kentucky.
- To request the letter:
- Log in to iCat.
- Complete the “Letter Request” e-form and select "Driver's License/State ID Card."
- You’ll get an email when your letter is ready.
- Note: This letter is only valid for 30 days, so wait until you have the Letter of Ineligibility from the SSA before requesting it.
Step 4: Visit a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office to Apply for Your Driver’s License
- As of July 2024, a new agreement between Kentucky and South Korea (MOU) simplifies the process for South Korean nationals. You only need to pass a vision test—no written or road tests are required!
- To start, schedule an appointment at a Kentucky regional licensing office. Walk-ins are sometimes allowed but are rare.
- Lexington has two licensing offices:
- Leestown: 141 Leestown Center Way, Lexington, KY 40511
- Spindletop: 2624 Research Park Dr., Lexington, KY 40511
- If no appointments are available, check the website at 8:00 AM the next day or schedule at another Kentucky location.
- Bring These Documents to Your Appointment:
- Visa and valid passport
- Valid I-94 or Homeland Security admission stamp
- Form DS-2019
- Letter of Support from ISSS (Step 3)
- Social Security Card or Letter of Ineligibility (Step 2)
- Proof of address from the last year (e.g., utility bill or lease agreement)
- Other Information:
- Payment: Cash, check, debit/credit cards are accepted. Extra fees apply for card payments.
- Voter Registration: Non-immigrants cannot register to vote. Make sure to check “NO” when asked on your application.