RUN MAY 7 IN PRINT..REAL ID IS REALLY COMING TO KENTUCKY; POP-UPS COMING TO LOCAL AREA COUNTIES

Commonwealth of Kentucky Senator Jason Howell reminds Kentuckians they 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.

Those who will need a REAL ID include those who fly domestically or visit secure federal buildings, as a REAL ID, passport, passport card, or military ID is required.

Those who do not fly or visit federal facilities,  do not need a REAL ID, Sen. Howell said.

 A standard driver’s license will still allow Kentuckians 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.

Kentuckians who do not plan on flying soon or visiting a federal building, do not need to rush to get a REAL ID by May 7, Sen. Howell said, adding May 7 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, Sen. Howell joined Senate colleagues in sending 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, Sen. Howell said, 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 the governor’s executive branch responsibility.

Several issues persist, Sen. Howell said, including public communication lacking, resulting in a bottleneck of appointments.

Regional offices are 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 under this administration.

The nearest driver’s licensing regional office in the 1st Senate District is in Graves County, 355 Charles Drive, Mayfield, KY 42006.

To help with the backlog, a special REAL ID pop-up event is coming to the following counties. Details are as follows:

Fulton County, June 10; Registration will open on May 27 at 8 a.m., Fulton County Fiscal Courtroom, 2216 Myron Cory Drive, Suite 1Hickman, KY 42050.

Hickman County, June 17.; Registration will open on June 3 at 8 a.m., Hickman County Fiscal Court, 116 S. Jefferson Street, Clinton, KY 42031.

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

If planning to visit a regional office or pop-up,  be sure to 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