Current KY drivers licenses can be used for air travel under federal extension

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentuckians can use their current state drivers license to board domestic flights and visit military bases for a while longer.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced Monday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted the Commonwealth a REAL ID extension.

A Kentucky drivers license, permit or identification card in the current and upcoming standard version will continue to be accepted by federal agencies through August 1, 2019, according to the cabinet.

Kentucky expects to maintain further extensions until REAL ID enforcement begins October 1, 2020.

At the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, the REAL ID Act of 2005 set new requirements nationwide for identification that federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, may accept for domestic air travel and entrance to certain federal facilities, including military bases.

Beginning in early 2019, Kentuckians renewing existing drivers licenses, permits or personal IDs, or those applying for the first time, may request a card in one of two versions: a new standard credential or a Voluntary Travel ID credential.

Standard drivers licenses and permits will remain acceptable to drive, vote, access federal and social benefit services (such as VA hospitals, Social Security offices, and federal courthouses) and for general identification purposes (such as signing a lease or purchasing age-restricted goods).

A Voluntary Travel ID credential offers the benefits of a standard credential and is compliant with the requirement of the REAL ID Act, meaning that the credential will be accepted to board U.S. flights and access restricted federal facilities.