Kentucky Transportation Cabinet granted REAL ID extension

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced on Monday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has determined the Commonwealth is fully compliant with REAL ID Act regulations.

This is following the pilot launch of new drivers licenses, permits and IDs in Franklin and Woodford counties.

They say this designation serves as the states last necessary extension, and allows Kentuckians to use their current state drivers license and the new standard credential to board domestic flights and visit military bases until federal enforcement begins Oct. 1, 2020.

Our regular check-ins with DHS gave us confidence compliant status would be granted as the state has made major strides by issuing new credentials in two pilot counties, said Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson. We continue to fine-tune the system before deploying to other counties so Kentuckians have a more seamless experience when it is time to renew. Gathering and updating needed documentation now is key for citizens to have a successful visit when applying for a new card.

A phased, county-by-county rollout will begin after the pilot period ends. Dates will be updated on the drive.ky.gov/confidentky website as the rollout approaches in each county.

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.

In June, KYTC launched the pilot phase of credential issuance in Franklin and Woodford counties. After the phased, statewide rollout, 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 Voluntary Travel ID credential.