In accordance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that the REAL ID enforcement date has been extended two years — offering Kentuckians and other citizens more time to request compliant driving and identity credentials.
Eventually, U.S. citizens will need REAL ID to access air travel and civilian outreach on military bases.
But the new enforcement date of May 7, 2025, replaces the previous date of May 3, 2023.
The REAL ID Act is a federal law that will eventually require citizens of U.S. states and territories to obtain new state-issued credentials. Currently 17% of Kentuckians have a REAL ID, which displays a star icon in the top right corner of the card.
Currently in Kentucky, residents have the option to choose between a standard or REAL ID compliant version of their drivers license, permit or identification card.
However, all driver licensing regional offices are equipped to serve any Kentuckian who’d like to apply for a REAL ID version of their driving credential or ID card. And most REAL ID cardholders can
skip a trip when they’re due to renew by doing it online or by mail.
First-time REAL ID applicants must apply in person by presenting required documents.
A valid passport, meanwhile, is still needed for international travel — even after REAL ID enforcement.
More information about REAL ID can be found at realidky.com.
