Circuit Clerk

Functions of the Office

Circuit Court Clerks are elected officials of the court and are responsible for the custody, control, and safe storage of court records for both Circuit and District Court. Among the duties of the clerks and their deputy clerks are the receipt of lawsuits and papers for the courts, being present during trials, receiving fines, issuing drivers' licenses, scheduling juries, handling bond money, and operating the tape recording equipment that records District Court proceedings.

District Court

Often called, "the people's court" the district court has limited jurisdiction - hearing only certain types of cases. Ninety % of all Kentuckians who come in contact with the judicial system will appear in District Court. Juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, probate of wills, felony preliminaries, and civil cases (with amounts of $5,000 or less) are all heard in District Court. Guardianship and conservatorship for disabled persons are in District Court as well as voluntary or involuntary mental commitments and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse are heard in District Court.

Small Claims Court

There is also a small claims division of the District Court to informally handle matters with a value of $2,500 or less. In small claims, a lawyer is not necessary. A citizen can bring his or her own case before the judge at a minimum cost.

Circuit Court

Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction that hears civil matters involving more than $5,000, capital offenses and felonies, land dispute title cases, and contested probate cases. Circuit Court has the power to issue injunctions, writs of prohibition, and writs of mandamus and to hear appeals from District Court and administrative agencies.

As a division of Circuit Court with general jurisdiction, the family court division of the Circuit Court further retains primary jurisdiction in cases involving dissolution of marriage; child custody; visitation; maintenance and support; equitable distribution of property in dissolution cases; adoption; and, termination of parental rights. In addition to the general jurisdiction of Circuit Court, the family court division of the Circuit Court, concurrent with the District Court, has jurisdiction over proceedings involving domestic violence and abuse; the Uniform Act on Paternity and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; dependency, neglect, and abuse; and, juvenile status offenses.

Drivers' License Issuance

To request, renew or replace a Kentucky driver's license, permit or ID card, please visit any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Regional Office. Find office locations, scheduling, and more information at the Kentucky Transportation website.

Online renewal for driver's licenses and motorcycle licenses only is now available for most renewals (those with no changes to the current license) at the Kentucky Transportation website.

Testing (written and road testing) will continue to be provided by the Kentucky State Police at the Regional Office located in Lexington. Appointments for testing must be scheduled online. Find testing location for Woodford County residents, scheduling and more information at the Kentucky State Police website.