REAL ID IS REALLY COMING TO KENTUCKY; POP-UPS COMING TO LOCAL AREA COUNTIES

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY SENATOR JASON HOWELL FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REAL ID IS REALLY COMING

(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, I joined my 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, 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.Public communication has been 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 the1st 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.
Calloway CountyAugust 7. Registration will open July 24 at 8 a.m.November 13. Registration will open October 30 at 8 a.m.Weaks Center607 Poplar StreetMurray, KY 42071
Crittenden CountyAugust 5. Registration will open July 22 at 8 a.m.Crittenden County Ed Tech Building200 Industrial DriveMarion, KY 42064
Fulton CountyJune 10. Registration will open on May 27 at 8 a.m.Fulton County Fiscal Courtroom2216 Myron Cory Drive, Suite 1Hickman, KY 42050
Hickman CountyJune 17. Registration will open on June 3 at 8 a.m.Hickman County Fiscal Court116 S. Jefferson StreetClinton, KY 42031
Lyon CountyJuly 24. Registration will open July 10 at 8 a.m.Lyon County Public Library261 Commerce StreetEddyville, KY 42038
Trigg CountyMay 22. Registration will open May 8 at 8 a.m.October 16. Registration will open October 2 at 8 a.m.Trigg County Emergency Center39 Jefferson StreetCadiz, KY 42211
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 bringone proof of identity (certified birth certificate),one proof of Social Security (card or W-2/1099 form),two proofs of residency (license, utility bill), andproof 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