The federal REAL ID Act established new security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards used for certain federal purposes. Effective May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is a federally compliant form of identification required to board domestic U.S. flights, enter military bases, and access federal buildings that require identification. Kentucky’s standard driver’s licenses and IDs are no longer accepted for these purposes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. military installations accept approved documents, such as valid, unexpired passports and passport cards. For a complete list of acceptable identification for air travel, visit the TSA website. Contact the military base you plan to visit to confirm which credentials they accept.
By state law, Kentuckians have the option of choosing between a standard or REAL ID compliant version of their driver's license, permit, or identification card.
A Kentucky REAL ID can only be requested in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office, required documentation must be presented and the printed card will display a black star icon identifying it as a REAL ID.
Below is a breakdown of the benefits offered by each card version to help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
Standard Credential
State-maintained but
not REAL ID-compliant.
| Domestic air travel (TSA) |
Not accepted |
| Military bases / restricted facilities |
Not accepted |
| Driving |
Accepted |
| Voting |
Accepted |
| Age-restricted purchases |
Accepted |
| Accessing social benefit services |
Accepted |
REAL ID
State-maintained and
REAL ID-compliant.
Domestic air travel (TSA)
|
Accepted |
| Military bases / restricted facilities |
Accepted |
| Driving |
Accepted |
| Voting |
Accepted |
| Age-restricted purchases |
Accepted |
| Accessing social benefit services |
Accepted |