Kentucky REAL ID: What You Need to Know

Starting on May 3, 2023, anyone over the age of 18 in Kentucky will require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board domestic U.S. flights.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
In accordance with the 2005 REAL ID Act, anyone over the age of 18 in Kentucky will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to use as documentation for boarding U.S. domestic flights starting on May 3, 2023. d
In addition to allowing you the legal right to operate a motor vehicle, your Kentucky driver’s license also functions as an important identification document. Currently, many people use their license to get through security at the airport—especially if they don’t own a passport.
But that may no longer be allowed in May 2023. After this date, Kentucky residents will need to have upgraded to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license if they want to continue to use the document as identification at TSA checkpoints ahead of domestic flights. 
If you’re not familiar with REAL ID, or just not sure where to start when it comes to getting one, don’t worry!
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What is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was proposed by the 9/11 Commission to establish enhanced identification standards for U.S. documents in the wake of the 2001 tragedy in New York. Passed by Congress in 2005, the
REAL ID Act
has taken a while to go into effect, but REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses will be required for U.S. residents hoping to use the document as identification ahead of boarding domestic flights as of May 3, 2023

Who needs a REAL ID?

Starting on May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required in order to: 
  • Gain access to a nuclear power plant
  • Enter some federal facilities
  • Board domestic flights and other federally regulated commercial aircraft
If you don’t have upcoming plans to visit a nuclear power plant or federal facility, the first two stipulations might not be a concern. However, if you currently use your driver’s license as identification at the airport, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID ahead of May 2023.
However, if you have access to a valid U.S. passport, you might not need to upgrade to a REAL ID in Kentucky. A full list of valid identification documents for boarding flights after the May 2023 cut-off for REAL ID is available on the
TSA website
Key Takeaway The REAL ID Act sets new standards for identification documents—and it’s scheduled to take effect in 2023. 
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How to get a Kentucky REAL ID

Getting a REAL ID in Kentucky really only takes two short steps:
  • Use Drive Kentucky's
    document guide
    to gather all the necessary paperwork, including proof of lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, and two examples of proof of Kentucky residency.
  • Visit your local KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office with all of the above documents in hand to get your REAL ID. 
If you’re upgrading your currently valid Kentucky driver’s license to include REAL ID credentials, you’ll only need to pay an additional $15. However, if you are applying for a brand new REAL ID driver’s license, you can either pay $24 for a four-year license, or $48 for an eight-year license. More information on cost breakdowns for different types of licenses is available on the
Drive Kentucky website
.

How to save money on car insurance in Kentucky

Traveling the U.S. is about more than using your REAL ID-compliant Kentucky driver’s license at the airport, it’s also about using that license to get behind the wheel of a car! But before you set off on your next adventure, make sure you’re protected by great car insurance—without overpaying for it.
Jerry
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Even better than the time you’ll save on comparing insurance quotes, Jerry also saves users an average of $800+ a year on their car insurance policies! 
“Since I just got my license, my insurance costs a lot. I wanted to save as much as possible, and
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Acquiring a REAL ID may not be essential for all U.S. travelers, but you can visit the
Department of Homeland Security’s website
to check whether you need a REAL ID. If you want to use your driver’s license to board domestic flights after May 3, 2023, you’ll need to have a REAL ID-compliant license.
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