Permanent Resident Information
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The REAL ID Act established new federal standards for issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards. As of May 7, 2025, Kentucky’s standard driver’s licenses and IDs are no longer accepted for boarding U.S. domestic flights or for entering certain federal facilities, such as military bases and the White House.
REAL ID-compliant licenses, permits, and identification cards are available at KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Offices statewide.
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 must first schedule an appointment for testing with the
Kentucky State Police.
NON-U.S. CITIZENS
Non-U.S. citizens who are legally present in the United States on a temporary basis may qualify for a Kentucky REAL ID.
These credentials are issued for a limited period and cannot be valid beyond the person's authorized stay in the United States. If there is no specific end date to their authorized stay, the credential may be issued for up to one year.
Applicants must provide proof of identity and lawful status, and two (2) proofs of Kentucky residency.
For more information, visit the Non-US Citizens page.
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