News Summary
Starting May 8, Kentucky residents will need to present a REAL ID, passport, or military ID for domestic flights and entry into secure government buildings. With less than 40% compliance and rising concerns over delays, state senators have requested a two-year extension from the federal government. Licensing offices face overwhelming demand, and the TSA assures travelers that security screenings may take longer without a REAL ID. Kentuckians are urged to secure their REAL IDs before the deadline to avoid access issues.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Starting Wednesday, May 8, new federal travel rules will mandate that travelers in Kentucky must present a REAL ID, a valid passport, a passport card, or a military ID for domestic flights or entry into secure government buildings. This change raises concerns about potential delays and access issues as Kentucky residents prepare to comply with the requirements.
To obtain a REAL ID in Kentucky, applicants are required to provide several documents, including proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card, and two forms of documentation that confirm Kentucky residency. REAL IDs can be acquired at regional driver licensing offices, with Lexington housing two such locations. The cost associated with getting a REAL ID is $24 for a four-year credential or $48 for an eight-year credential. Appointments for services can be made online through the Kentucky state driving website.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has clarified that travelers who do not possess a REAL ID will not be refused entry at airports; however, they may encounter longer wait times during security screenings, as additional checks will need to be performed. TSA officials have indicated they are fully staffed to handle the anticipated increase in travelers as the enforcement date approaches.
In light of the approaching deadline, several Kentucky state senators have formally requested a two-year extension from the Department of Homeland Security, citing worries regarding the limited availability of appointment slots and the lengthy waiting times often experienced at licensing offices. Current data shows that significantly less than 40% of Kentuckians have successfully obtained a REAL ID that complies with federal standards.
Concerns about the situation have been underscored by Senator Jimmy Higdon and his co-signers, as they expressed fears of possible disorder at licensing offices if the enforcement date proceeds without adjustment. Recent legislation, House Bill 43, allows for third-party vendors to assist with license renewals, although this initiative will not be up and running until June 27, which is after the new compliance requirement takes effect.
Governor Andy Beshear has acknowledged the rising demand for in-person services attributable to these new compliance regulations, which have caused further delays at regional driver licensing locations throughout Kentucky. Complaints about excessively long queues at various licensing offices have been reported, raising questions about the system’s ability to handle the compelled influx of appointments.
Kentucky’s REAL ID-compliant cards are identifiable by a white star enclosed within a black circle, symbolizing adherence to federal regulations. As of February, data indicates that 1,270,737 Kentuckians had acquired a REAL ID, representing nearly 35% of the total number of individuals with such credentials statewide.
The implementation of the REAL ID requirements has experienced setbacks since its initial introduction in 2008, with various states facing similar compliance challenges. As the May 8 deadline approaches, Kentuckians are urged to take action now to secure their REAL IDs to ensure uninterrupted travel and access to government facilities.
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Additional Resources
- WTVQ: REAL ID Will Go Into Effect on Wednesday
- Wikipedia: REAL ID Act
- LEX 18: Kentucky Senators Request Extension to REAL ID Deadline
- Google Search: REAL ID Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Know Your Kentucky on REAL ID
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ID Card
- WKYT: Long Wait Times Ahead for REAL ID Enforcement
- Google News: Kentucky REAL ID Issues
- Kentucky Lantern: GOP Senators Call for Extension of REAL ID Deadline
- Spectrum News: Kentucky REAL ID Deadline Overview
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
