"REAL ID" IS REALLY COMING by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers

April 30, 2025

by Sen. Robert Stivers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2025) – In just a few days, Kentuckians will face new federal requirements for air travel and federal building access under the REAL ID Act. Starting May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities. Only a REAL ID-compliant license, or an alternative like a U.S. passport or passport card, will meet federal standards.

Let me clarify who actually needs a REAL ID.

If you fly domestically or visit secure federal buildings, you will need a REAL ID, passport, passport card, or military ID.

If you do not fly or visit federal facilities, you do not need a REAL ID. A standard driver’s license will still allow you to drive, vote and conduct everyday activities.

Alternative options, like passports or military IDs, can also substitute for a REAL ID when traveling or accessing federal buildings.

If you do not plan on flying soon or visiting a federal building, you do not need to rush to get a REAL ID by May 7. That is the deadline for enforcement, not the deadline to obtain a REAL ID. Appointments will continue to be available after May 7.

Earlier this month, Kentucky legislators sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asking for an additional extension. With only 37 percent of Kentuckians compliant, many families may encounter long waits, travel disruptions and avoidable frustrations. Many Kentuckians still face barriers outside their control. Years ago, licensing services moved from local circuit court clerks to regional offices because clerks could not meet federal security standards. Kentucky was the only state using local offices for driver's licenses at the time.

With the enactment of REAL ID legislation in 2019, licensing transitioned to regional centers operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. While the General Assembly has passed laws to help—such as allowing mail-in and online renewals, approving mobile pop-up licensing units to visit unserved counties at least twice annually, and expanding regional offices—day-to-day management of REAL ID remains an executive branch, your governor’s, responsibility.

Several issues persist.

Public communication has been lacking, resulting in a bottleneck of appointments.

Regional offices only open one Saturday a month, despite lawmakers urging expanded hours.

Staff shortages and morale problems at licensing centers continue to delay services.

Similar issues, seen during the unemployment insurance backlog and ongoing permitting issues for water permits and construction, have been a recurring trend.

The 25th Senate District has a driver’s licensing regional office in Clay County at 25 Marcum Hill Road, Manchester, KY 40962. To help, a special REAL ID pop-up event is coming to Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley and Whitley counties. Details are as follows.

Jackson County
August 14. Registration opens July 31 at 8 a.m.Community Room, "Old Courtroom" at the Old Courthouse100 Main Street North McKee, KY 40447

Knox County
July 22. Registration opens July 8 at 8 a.m.Dec. 10. Registration opens Nov. 26 at 8 a.m.Knox County Senior Center130 Harding StreetBarbourville, KY 40906

McCreary County
Sept. 18. Registration opens Sept. 4 at 8 a.m.The McCreary County Senior Citizens Center at the McCreary County Park Building 2255 US Hwy 27Whitley City, KY 42653

Owsley County
Aug. 5. Registration opens July 22 at 8 a.m.Owsley County Public Library478 KY-11 Booneville, KY 41314

Whitley County
July 24. Registration opens July 10 at 8 a.m.
Dec. 11. Registration opens Nov. 27 at 8 a.m.Courthouse Community Room200 Main StreetWilliamsburg, KY 40769

Pop-up events are only for residents of the county hosting the event.

If you plan to visit a regional office or pop-up, you must bring:

One proof of identity (certified birth certificate),

One proof of Social Security (card or W-2/1099 form),

Two proofs of residency (license, utility bill), and

Proof of any name changes (marriage license, court order).

Visit drive.ky.gov for more information or to register. Please remember a vision screening is now required to renew a Kentucky driver’s license.

It is an honor to serve you in the Kentucky Senate.
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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, which includes Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As Senate president, Stivers chairs the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee and is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. He is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.