AASHTO Journal - KYTC Preps for REAL ID Rollout Starting March 2019

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is planning to start the rollout of its new REAL ID-compliant identity credentials in March this year; a process it expects will be fully completed statewide by May.

[Above photo by the KYTC]

Dubbed the “Confident Kentucky” initiative, the agency said this program will offer two new license, permit, and personal ID card versions when it comes time renew existing credentials at their local Circuit Court Clerk office.

“We want to give Kentuckians a sense of when they can expect the upgraded cards to become available in their county of residence,” said KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas in a Jan. 7 statement. “It’s important we maintain some flexibility right now as we continue to prepare for a massive statewide redesign of the license program. Our focus is to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Applicants requesting a new Voluntary Travel ID or those applying for a license, permit, or personal ID for the first time must present documentation verifying identity, social security number, and residency.

“Gathering, replacing, and updating required documents now can spare applicants from repeat trips to Circuit Court Clerk offices,” stressed Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks President Greg Helton. “Now is the time to collect documents like a certified birth certificate or request a social security card that reflects your current legal name.”

Upon implementation, he added that Kentuckians will choose between a new standard or Voluntary Travel ID card version once they are within six months of their current card’s expiration date, with all new card versions expected to be mailed to applicants five to 10 days after applying at their local Circuit Court Clerk Office.

[Other state DOTs are engaged in a similar process. For example, details regarding the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s REAL ID program rollout are highlighted in the video below.]

The KYTC said a Kentucky driver’s license, permit or identification card in the current and new standard version will continue to be accepted for U.S. air travel and military base entry through Aug. 1, 2019.

However, the agency emphasized that REAL ID enforcement begins Oct. 1, 2020; at that point, a new Voluntary Travel ID card version or any federally accepted form of identification, like a passport, will be needed for airport security checkpoints and entry into military bases or restricted federal buildings.

“Current Kentucky licenses, permits and IDs will remain valid until their expiration date, so cardholders should wait to request one of the new card versions until they are within their renewal period,” said Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson.

“Those seeking a Voluntary Travel ID but whose renewal window doesn’t allow them to renew before the October 2020 deadline can visit a Circuit Court Clerk office and pay $15 to upgrade their current credential to a Voluntary Travel ID that maintains their current card’s expiration date,” he added.