(FRANKFORT, Ky.)-With the holiday season approaching, Kentucky residents planning to fly domestically are encouraged to obtain a REAL ID to ensure smooth air travel. Recent improvements at Driver Licensing Regional Offices have significantly reduced wait times, making it more convenient to upgrade or renew licenses.
REAL ID Enforcement
REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. Anyone flying domestically or visiting a military base must present a REAL ID-compliant credential, such as:
- Valid passport
- REAL ID driver’s license
- REAL ID permit or ID card
Kentucky law allows residents to choose between standard or REAL ID credentials. Approximately 45% of Kentuckians have opted for REAL ID-compliant cards. In May 2025, Kentucky issued more than 130,000 credentials—the highest monthly issuance on record. From January through October, over 1.1 million state credentials were issued, including more than 21,000 permits to 15-year-olds.
Improved Wait Times
Average wait times at Driver Licensing Regional Offices have decreased substantially:
- Walk-in customers: Wait times dropped from 49 minutes (April) to 14 minutes (October)
- Appointment holders: Wait times decreased from 25 minutes (April) to 11 minutes (October)
Service Improvements
Several initiatives contributed to reduced wait times:
- Addition of approximately 125 full-time contracted staff
- Implementation of “Skip the Line” online tool for renewal eligibility
- New line management and text message check-in system
- Opening of a fifth Louisville location to serve Jefferson County and surrounding areas
How to Get Your REAL ID
Visit Options:
- Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted
- Saturday hours available once monthly
- Pop-up licensing events in counties without regional offices
Online/Mail Renewal: Available for eligible residents with completed vision screening forms from eye specialists or approved medical providers.
REAL ID Requirements:
- Must apply in person
- Issued by mail within 10–15 days
- Bring proper documentation (avoid repeat trips)
Find Your Documents: Visit realidky.com and take the IDocument Guide quiz for a personalized list of required documents and to locate your nearest regional office.
Check Renewal Eligibility: Use the “Skip the Line” quiz at drive.ky.gov to determine if you can renew by mail, online, or need an in-person visit.
Alternative for Travelers Without REAL ID
Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will offer TSA Confirm.ID—a modernized alternative identity verification system. Passengers without acceptable ID can pay a $45 fee to use this system at security checkpoints. However, this option:
- Only provides a temporary solution
- Functions for a 10-day travel period
- Does not permanently replace the need for REAL ID
Important Reminder
Don’t wait until your travel date approaches. Ensure your identification is ready well in advance of your flight to avoid last-minute complications.
