BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Residents who lack the photo identification necessary to vote can obtain a voter ID card from the state at no cost.
Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles said the cards are available at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Regional Office.
“The same offices that issue driver’s licenses and other state identification cards will make your voter ID card,” Skyles said.
To qualify for a free voter ID card, an applicant must be eligible to vote, be registered to vote or register when the card is issued, and not possess another state-issued credential from Kentucky or another state.
Applicants must apply in person.
The nearest Driver Licensing Regional Office is located at 3140 S. Lake Drive, Suite 5, in Prestonsburg. The phone number is 502-564-1257.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-in customers receive priority from 8 to 11:30 a.m.
For other office locations, visit drive.ky.gov.
Skyles said residents may want to take advantage of a Popup Driver Licensing event Oct. 6 at the Rufus Reed Library in Lovely.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will close for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
Registration will open Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. at drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Pages/Popup-Map.aspx.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Popup events are conducted by appointment. Staff may serve a limited number of walk-in customers, but service is not guaranteed.
Residents seeking walk-in service should arrive no earlier than 9 a.m. Staff will advise them whether walk-in service is available and provide an estimated wait time.
Skyles said residents applying for a voter ID card must bring a birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of Kentucky residency.
“These must be original documents or certified copies bearing the appropriate seal,” she said. “Photocopies are not accepted.”
Anyone who needs a certified copy of a Kentucky birth certificate can contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics at chfs.ky.gov or by calling 800-241-8322. Those born outside Kentucky should contact the vital records office in their birth state.
An applicant’s Social Security card must display the person’s current legal name. Information about obtaining a replacement card is available at ssa.gov/ssnumber.
Residents can also visit the Social Security office at 1897 KY Route 321 in Prestonsburg. The phone number is 888-450-4538. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Proof of residency must be dated within the past year. Acceptable documents include a utility or telephone bill, bank statement, state or federal tax return, pay slip or salary statement, postmarked mail, property tax bill, vehicle registration, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement or insurance policy.
“Post office boxes are not sufficient proof of residency,” Skyles said. “Your documents must show your physical address.”
The 2026 general election is Nov. 3.
“Now is a good time to register to vote if you have not registered or to check your voter registration,” Skyles said. “You can do that in my office. We are here to help.”
For information or questions, call Skyles at (606) 298-3508.