Ky.gov

Permanent Resident Information

  • Real ID
  • Permanent Resident Information
Real ID
​​The REAL ID Act required changes to state standards, procedures, and requirements for issuing driver's licenses and identification cards accepted by select federal agencies. When federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins on May 7, 2025, Kentucky's current standard licenses will no longer be accepted to board U.S. flights or enter restricted federal facilities, like military bases ​or the White House.​

PERMANENT RESIDENTS​

  • Permanent residents or "Resident Aliens" are eligible to apply for a federally-compliant REAL ID. ​

  • Residents must present their current and updated Permanent Resident card or I-551 with photo issued by USCIS along with one (1) proof of Social Security and two (2) proofs of residency. For a list of acceptable documents, click here.​

  • Residents may visit any KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office to apply for a REAL ID or standard credential. If testing is required, the applicant will first need to schedule an appointment for testing with the Kentucky State Police.


NON-U.S. CITIZENS

  • Non-U.S. citizens (not including permanent residents)​ are not eligible to apply for a federally-compliant REAL ID.

  • Non-U.S. citizens may obtain a standard driver's license or personal ID by visiting any KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office to present legal presence documentation and proof of residency to apply for a standard credential. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will confirm the applicant's legal status through document examination and the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system. 

  • If any testing is required to obtain a Kentucky standard credential, the applicant must first schedule a testing appointment with the Kentucky State Police. 

  • The expiration date on the applicant's permanent credential will coincide with their documentation and will not exceed four (4) years. Applicants will pay the new standard driver's license fee of $43. Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible to receive a REAL ID. A list of required documentation based on the applicant's status and residency requirements is available here.​​​​​​​​​​​​


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