FRANKFORT, Ky. — In six months, federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act is scheduled to begin. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) encourages Kentuckians to be aware of the changes that will bring.
What You Need To Know
- Kentucky driver's licenses without a black star cannot be used at airport security checkpoints for U.S. commercial air travel or to visit military bases and federal facilities that require ID (like the White House)
- REAL ID cards are optional and citizens do not have to obtain one before the deadline
- Other federally approved documents, like a valid passport or passport card, are accepted for US. air travel and military base entry
- If your current legal name, date of birth, or gender is different than what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes (ex. marriage licenses, court orders, divorce papers)
KYTC told Spectrum News 1 that more than 135,000 REAL IDs have been issued to Kentuckians so far.
“Come October 1 of 2021, every Kentuckian who boards a domestic US flight or needs entry on a military base or needs to enter a federal building that currently requires a form of ID of entry needs to have a form of Real ID,” said Sarah Jackson, who serves as the REAL ID project manager for KYTC.
Jackson recommends that now is the time for Kentuckians to begin working on gathering the necessary documents to complete the REAL ID process. Applicants will need three different categories of forms. The first form would need to be a proof of identity like a certified birth certificate, not a copy.
Next, you’ll also need to prove your social security with either your card or a recent W-2 form. Lastly, you’ll need two proofs of residency which can be two billing statements that list your address. If you are missing these forms, you will be turned away and be asked to return with the proper documents.
“We have no choice. We are under very strict standards in issuing these Real IDs and if every state were not they wouldn’t be serving the purpose they are meant to serve which is to provide more secure movement, travel and entry,” Jackson said.
KYTC has 15 full regional offices in the commonwealth along with 2 appointment-only smaller offices. Planning ahead can save you a lot of headaches and trips.
You can either opt for a four-year REAL ID for $24 or an eight-year REAL ID for $48. If your license expires within six months of the date you plan to visit an office, it means you are eligible to renew your license for another four or eight years and you’d pay the corresponding amount. If your license expires more than six months from the date you plan to visit an office, it means you can upgrade to a REAL ID for $15 and it will maintain your current card’s expiration date.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated if your driver’s license is set to expire in six months, you can upgrade to a Kentucky REAL ID for $15. This story has been edited to clarify that if your license expires more than six months from the date you plan to visit an office, you can upgrade to a REAL ID for $15 and it will maintain your current card's expiration date. The story was also updated to include that if your license expires within six months of the date you plan to visit an office, it means you are eligible to renew your license for another four or eight years and you'd pay the corresponding amount.