02-05-2025
REAL ID enforcement set for May 7
After years of being postponed, REAL ID enforcement will begin May 7.
That means U.S. citizens and permanent residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board domestic flights, enter military bases and certain federal buildings. Federal buildings such as Social Security Administration and U.S. Postal offices will not require a REAL ID for access.
'If or when a person needs a REAL ID-compliant license, they can still get one after May 7,' said Allen Blair, deputy director of Public Affairs at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 'That is not a deadline, but the enforcement date when TSA will begin requiring a REAL ID to fly or visit a military base, for example. There are also options, as there are alternative forms of REAL ID that people can use — a passport, passport card, global entry card, military ID, and Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) are among the several forms of REAL ID that let you fly. We just want people to consider their needs, and have a plan.'
According to Blair, currently, more than 1.33 million Kentuckians (36.6%) have obtained their REAL IDs.
'In recent months, we have seen an increased interest from people wanting REAL IDs. We started issuing them when we began setting up regional offices after the legislature shifted licensing to the cabinet in 2020,' Blair said. '…It's important to note that by law Kentucky is a voluntary state, and you can choose between a REAL ID compliant license or a standard credential. Both provide the same daily needs for driving and identification. The REAL ID version meets federal security requirements set up after 9/11.'
In 2020, Kentucky House Bill 453, sponsored by Sal Santoro, a Florence Republican, made the KYTC the sole application and issuance entity for operator's licenses and personal identification cards while eliminating the requirements that these documents be applied for in one's county of residence. The bill also expanded the pre-existing list of documents an applicant can use when applying, and allow applicants to choose between four to eight years before renewal.
That led to the creation of REAL ID Regional Offices, which gradually removed all driver's license duties out of the hands of circuit court clerks.
Daviess County's regional office was opened in January 2021 inside the former Daviess County Operations Center at 2620 Kentucky 81. It took over all of the driver licenses and permit responsibilities from the Daviess circuit court clerk on Sept. 27, 2021.
In the past, residents had to be issued their driver's licenses in their home counties. However, regional offices can issue licenses to any resident regardless of where he or she lives in the state.
Before being issued a REAL ID, there are certain documents a person must possess. The first category is proof of identity — a certified birth certificate or a valid passport.
The second category is proof of Social Security — an original Social Security card or a W2, or a 1099 from this year or last year with name and Social Security listed.
The third category is proof of address — two bills with a name and address. Acceptable examples would be a medical bill, utility bill and a magazine subscription.
Driver's testing and written testing remain a function of the KSP.
Scheduling is through the KSP's website —
