You’ll soon need a REAL ID to fly domestically. Here’s how to get one in Kentucky
By the time Kentucky’s REAL ID law becomes enforceable May 3, 2023, state driver’s licenses without a black star will no longer allow you to fly domestically at U.S. commercial airports or to visit military bases and federal facilities that require identification.
REAL ID is being implemented in all 50 states.
Almost 540,000 REAL ID credentials have been issued in Kentucky, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesperson told the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Kentucky REAL ID is the commonwealth’s bid to comply with the federal REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 and enacted on the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the legislation created minimum security standards for issuing and producing licenses and bars certain federal agencies from accepting IDs that don’t meet those standards.
Effective May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, permit or identification card to fly domestically, visit military bases or enter federal buildings.
That said, other approved forms of identification – including a U.S. passport, passport card and other documents – will still be accepted.
Where can I get my REAL ID in KY and what does it cost?
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, if you want a REAL ID, you’ll have to visit one of the cabinet’s offices.
To streamline the transition, the state has opened new driver’s licensing regional offices across the state to specifically assist residents in getting their REAL IDs. Walk-ins are accepted, but it’s recommended you make an appointment.
The state also has a pop-up driver’s licensing program, which deploys traveling offices to communities around the state that don’t have a regional office.
The cost for obtaining a REAL ID driver’s license in Kentucky is $24 for a four-year ID and $48 for an eight-year ID. Full pricing for other kinds of Kentucky REAL IDs is available online.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?
To get a REAL ID, you need one way to prove your identity, one way to prove your social security number and two ways to prove residence.
Acceptable proof of identity documents include:
Original birth certificate
Passport documents
Resident/citizenship documents, i.e. a permanent resident card, certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship, for example
These must be the original documents, not photocopies.
You can prove your social security number with:
Your social security card
Other income documents, like your W-2 wage and tax statement or your most recent 1099 form. You can also use a pay stub or statement
Some acceptable proof-of-residency documents include:
Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statements
Insurance policy
Property tax bill
Kentucky vehicle registration
In the case of married couples and any name changes, you will also need to bring an additional document explaining name changes if your current name does not match the one on your proof document. A marriage certificate is an example.
Here’s a full list of acceptable documents:
You can also take a quiz to help determine what documents you need online.
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This story was originally published October 3, 2022 at 6:00 AM.