Kentucky lawmakers push for Real ID deadline extension

State leaders say long DMV lines and slow rollout could lead to travel problems

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The May 7th Real ID deadline is approaching, and Kentucky is joining other states in the national spotlight, with state leaders pushing for an extension.

Long lines at DMVs have become common across the country, as Americans scramble to upgrade their licenses to the federally compliant Real ID, marked by a star at the top. Without it, travelers may face issues at airport security starting May 7.

But Kentucky lawmakers say the Commonwealth isn’t ready.

“Kentucky is simply not ready, and we’re not compliant yet with Real ID,” said Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon. “Kentucky was kind of late to the game on REAL ID. We didn’t implement it until 2019, then COVID hit and we’ve been playing catch up,” said Higdon.

Higdon and a group of Kentucky leaders have formally asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to extend the deadline.

He says he’s heard from many Kentuckians frustrated by long wait times and a lack of appointments, and believes that confusion around multiple past deadline changes may have caused some people to delay taking action.

“We’ve had so many delays in the past that, you know, when they set this deadline for May the 7th, I think a lot of people didn’t take it serious,” said Higdon.

If the current deadline remains in place, anyone without a Real ID could face major disruptions at airports.

“The confusion will move to the airports and the TSA,” Higdon said. “When people come through without a REAL ID-compliant identification, we will see some real problems,” said Higdon.

While he waits to hear back from Secretary Noem, Higdon says he welcomes other states joining Kentucky in a united request for an extension.