By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County could again have a location where drivers can get their licenses renewed.
A bill is making it’s way through the Kentucky House of Representatives in the 2026 Regular Session that would allow county circuit clerks the ability to issue licenses, permits and “personal identification cards,” according to Kentucky House Bill 162. It also stated that each county’s circuit court clerk’s office could process renewals.
Barren County Circuit Court Clerk Julie Wright Jolly said a return of licensing services would be “wonderful.”
“I think it’d be great to have [licensing services] come back to Barren County,” Wright said. “If they do, we’ll work hard and provide the best service for Barren Countians.”
Wright briefly mentioned some logistical issues that would come along with a move back to circuit clerks’ offices, like the hiring of additional personnel and getting the proper equipment.
The bill was filed on the second day of the regular session by Rep. Savannah Maddox. The bill has 10 co-sponsores. On Jan. 7 it was given to the House Committee on Committees. Maddox filed a similar bill during the last regular session.
Driver Licensing Regional Offices took licensing capabilities away from the counties after the passage of 2020 legislation. The rollout of which officially concluded in June 2022.
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd said there is still the possibility of a regional office locating in Barren County at the old health department building on West Washington Street in Glasgow. She told Glasgow News 1 that she would know definitively by April 15.
