What You Need to Know About Kentucky's REAL ID

Photo by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto
Mark Cornelison | UK Photo.

Update: The REAL ID deadline has been extended until May 3, 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 30, 2021) — The Commonwealth of Kentucky is working to make REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses available statewide at regional locations as quickly and efficiently as possible. REAL ID enforcement goes into effect May 3, 2023. This means 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 after May 3, 2023. 

Here is what you need to know:

  • New REAL ID driver's licenses, permits and identification cards may be requested at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Driver Licensing Regional Offices across the state.
  • Kentucky REAL IDs are for Kentucky residents.
  • To meet federal standards, applicants must provide (1) proof of identity, (1) proof of social security and (2) proofs of residency. Carefully review the full list of accepted documentation for a REAL ID you need to gather before applying.
  • REAL ID credentials are available in four or eight-year lifespans.
  • The new credentials contain nearly double the amount of security features than the current issued credentials. ​
  • 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 U.S. air travel and military base entry.
  • Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible to receive a REAL ID.

For more information visit https://drive.ky.gov/RealID/Pages/default.aspx.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.