Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Kentuckians renewing their driver’s licenses will be required to undergo a vision screening.

The mandate stems from legislation passed during the 2021 General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear.

“We know this will be a change for license holders when it’s time to renew every four or eight years, but it’s a measure driven by safety, and that’s something we can all get behind,” Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said in a press release. “People are the most precious cargo on our roads.”

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional Offices can perform the screenings free during the license renewal process. Drivers may also opt to have their vision checked in advance by a qualified professional.

Medical professional will complete a state-issued form, which drivers can submit at the time of renewal. The exam must occur within 12 months of the renewal date. Drivers passing the vision test outside the office will not need to repeat it during the visit.

Those who fail the vision screening at a regional office must see a vision specialist before license renewal can proceed.

Drivers who pass the vision test while wearing glasses will have a restriction added to their license.

Kentucky State Police Driver Testing Branch Commander Captain Chris Baker noted the importance of the new requirement.

“Clear vision is essential for making safe decisions on the road,” Baker said. “Mandatory vision screenings have been a longstanding requirement for all first-time drivers and expanding this to all drivers is a practical way to make roads safer for everyone.”

Regional offices can only perform the vision screenings once per renewal cycle.

Online and mail-in renewals will remain available. Residents using these methods must upload the official signed form after completing their vision exam.