By rssfeeds-admin “I think we ought to be calling it the federal enforcement date,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “May 7th is a time when the federal government is going to require you to have a form of REAL ID to board an airplane or enter a federal program.”
Although the REAL ID Act was passed nearly two decades ago, many have yet to get their hands on theirs.
“The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, and it was a direct result of 9/11,” said Matthew Cole, Commissioner for the Department of Vehicle Regulation. “Real ID sought to basically just reestablish people’s identities to make sure they are who they say they are. So that was the reason why the feds enacted that program.”
That deadline appears unlikely to change despite efforts from Kentucky lawmakers. Early this week, the Trump administration signaled there will be no extension for Kentuckians.
“I know what the senator was trying to do, and he was looking out for Kentucky’s best interest, which we always applaud,” Cole said. “But at the same time, we know in the end we just have our job to do, and we have to do it regardless.”
Those who have visited a DMV lately—whether for a permit test or an address change—are likely familiar with the frustration of long lines. But according to Cole, there are ways to save time.
“If they need to just do a renewal, we have online renewals available. We have mail-in renewals available,” he explained. “So we encourage people to use those. Or if they just need a replacement or name change, or address change, the mail form can do that as well.”
Not everyone needs to rush to get a REAL ID, especially if they don’t have immediate travel plans or federal building access needs.
“If it’s yes, then the next question is, ‘Do I need a Real ID now?’ And they go, ‘You know what, I’m not flying to Florida until next summer, 2026,’ so they don’t have to hurry. They can wait for the lines to kind of die down,” said Cole.
Beshear emphasized that there are other forms of a REAL ID you can use.
“Those are a passport, passport card, global entry card, military ID, and a veteran health identification card,” Beshear added. “I want to be clear in this: if you have a passport, you don’t need to rush out right now while the lines are as long as they can be or be trying to get that appointment. You’ll still be able to fly and be able to get a real ID at a later date.”
Cole also advises residents to “know before you go,” as the document requirements for a REAL ID differ from those of a standard license.
“Essentially, you need to have your proof of identity, which is usually the birth certificate. You have proof of Social Security, which is your Social Security card. And then for Real ID, it’s required to bring in two proofs of address.”
During Thursday’s Team Kentucky update, Beshear acknowledged that he isn’t happy with how the state’s licensing offices are operating currently.
In addition to the REAL ID deadline, the General Assembly added vision screening requirements, and 15-year-olds are now able to obtain their permits. All three things are contributing to the hours-long waits, according to Beshear.
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“We’re bringing on more full-time employees and relying less on temporary employees,” Beshear said. “I’m looking at making a couple of HR changes in work weeks and others that can hopefully recruit even more people.”
REAL ID licenses cost $24 for four years or $48 for eight years.
More information or to book an appointment can be found here.
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