Jackson Driver Licensing Reopens Feb. 2 at Temporary Location; Owsley Residents Served

Jackson driver licensing services for the region that includes Owsley County residents resumed in-person on Monday, Feb. 2 at a temporary site inside the Breathitt County Public Library, the Transportation Cabinet announced. The move follows a temporary closure of the permanent Jackson office while crews address heating-system problems.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2026) officials said the Breathitt County Public Library at 1024 College Avenue will host licensing services while repairs are under way. The temporary entrance can be accessed to the left of the main library entrance. Staff will operate at a reduced capacity at the library location because of space constraints, so customers are encouraged to schedule appointments where possible or use mail and online options for services that can be handled without an in-person visit.

Secretary Jim Gray framed the decision as a safety measure, noting the severity of recent cold conditions. "Given the dangerous cold, it was vital to temporarily pause service at our flagship location to ensure the safety of Kentuckians and staff while we secured repair plans and made arrangements for a nearby suitable location to operate from temporarily," he said. He added, "We continue to do all we can to return to full staffing capacity as soon as possible."

In-person driver licensing services are available at the library beginning Feb. 2; customers may schedule appointments through the Transportation Cabinet's driver scheduling portal or walk in for service. Kentucky State Police (KSP) is not administering behind-the-wheel driver testing at the temporary location. KSP officials are working to establish an alternative testing site for those who would normally test at Jackson, and the Kentucky State Police maintains a web page listing current driver testing locations.

The Transportation Cabinet noted that Kentucky’s 34 other regional office locations remain open. For residents of Owsley County who travel to Jackson for licensing needs, the temporary location restores access to many services but may require additional planning because staff are working at reduced capacity and KSP testing is not available there. The cabinet also reminded customers that some licensing tasks can be completed by mail or online and advised checking the Transportation Cabinet website for eligibility, service status, and appointment options.

Local officials and library staff coordinated to make the temporary arrangement possible, and social media postings by the Transportation Cabinet confirmed the Feb. 2 resumption at the library. Media contacts at the Transportation Cabinet for further information are Naitore Djigbenou, 502.782.4829, Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov, and Allen Blair, 606.748.3716, Allen.Blair@ky.gov.

For Owsley County residents, the immediate significance is restored access to in-person licensing without a longer trip elsewhere, though behind-the-wheel testing will require alternate arrangements until KSP establishes a new testing location. Expect possible limits on same-day service at the library; schedule ahead when you can and check official channels for updates as repairs progress.