When do you need your Real ID in Kentucky? The deadline has been extended several times
Kentucky residents have less than a year to obtain their REAL ID-compliant identification. Otherwise, they could face certain travel restrictions.
REAL ID is being gradually implemented in all 50 states, and in Kentucky, 1 million people have opted for compliant state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards. It’s been nearly 20 years since the REAL ID Act was passed by Congress, and it was enacted in response to the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.
While the federal Department of Homeland Security has prolonged the enforcement deadline multiple times, you shouldn’t count on it being extended again. Here’s what to know in order to move from procrastinating to finally obtaining your REAL ID.
When does REAL ID enforcement begin?
The latest Real ID deadline is May 7, 2025.
At the tail end of 2022, the Department of Homeland Security extended the enforcement date by 24 months, in part due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the bureaucratic backlog it created.
It is possible DHS could choose to extend REAL ID’s enforcement date again, particularly if states continue to struggle with backlogs, but that’s not certain.
What is certain is if the REAL ID deadline comes and goes and you still don’t have a compliant ID, you could face certain travel restrictions.
What happens when REAL ID enforcement begins in Kentucky?
After May 7, you will need either a REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or state ID card if you want to board a domestic flight or visit military bases and federal facilities that require the identification.
Other federally accepted forms of REAL ID, such as a passport, can also be used to access these areas.
The REAL ID-compliant cards Kentucky issues are marked with a white star in a black circle.
The following are acceptable forms of REAL ID for U.S. commercial air travel:
Kentucky REAL ID cards or other REAL ID-compliant cards offered by other states
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential (TWIC)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Military bases and federal facilities will also accept REAL IDs, just be sure to contact the base or facility directly before visiting to confirm what types they accept.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID in Kentucky?
The types of documents you need to obtain a REAL ID include one proof of identity, two ways to prove residency, one proof of social security and one proof of name change, if applicable.
Acceptable proof of identity documents include:
Original birth certificate
Passport documents
Resident/citizenship documents, such as a permanent resident card, a certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship, for example
These must be original documents and not photocopies.
Proof of Social Security options include:
You Social Security card
Income documents, such as your W-2, wage and tax statements or your most recent 1099 form. A pay stub or statement can also work.
Acceptable forms of proof of residency, which you need two of, include:
A lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statements
Insurance policy
Property tax bill
Kentucky vehicle registration
If your current legal name is not displayed on all of the proof documents, then bring along a document that shows the change from one name to the other, such as your marriage license.
You can take a document quiz to determine which documents you need on Kentucky’s REAL ID website.
How much does a REAL ID cost in Kentucky?
The cost for a REAL ID compliant state driver’s license valid for four years is $24. For an eight-year license, the cost is $48.
If you just want a compliant state identification card, the cost is $14 for a four-year credential and $28 for an eight-year credential.
If you currently have a license that’s within six months of expiring, you can request a new one. If your credential’s expiration date is six months or more after the date you apply, you can upgrade to a REAL ID for a $15 fee.
Can I get a REAL ID online?
No, you cannot get a REAL ID entirely online because the process involves gathering your documents and confirming your identity in person.
That said, you may be able to renew your REAL ID driver’s license or state identification card online, depending on your circumstances.
Where do I get my REAL ID in Kentucky?
Kentucky residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply for a REAL ID at any driver licensing regional office in the state.
Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are encouraged.
Do you have a question about living in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.