Can I Renew or Upgrade to a REAL ID?

Real ID

Reminder: There are other acceptable credentials for boarding U.S. flights and entering military bases. TSA provides information on acceptable forms of identification, or you can call the facility you plan to visit for more information.

You can renew your license or ID up to six months before the expiration date. If you request a REAL ID credential before the six-month renewal window of your existing card, the expiration date will not change.
Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for a REAL ID credential.

CAN I RENEW OR UPGRADE TO A REAL ID?

If you currently hold a Kentucky driver's license or ID and want to apply for a REAL ID, review the information below to confirm whether you qualify to renew or upgrade your standard credential. Please note that first-time REAL ID applicants must present all required identity documents at the time of application.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY

Eligible to Upgrade

If your current license expires in more than six months, you may upgrade to a REAL ID for a $15 fee while keeping the same expiration date.

You will need another REAL ID-compliant document, such as a passport or military ID, to maintain access to U.S. air travel and military installations.

Eligible to Renew

If you are within your six-month renewal window, you are eligible to renew your REAL ID for either four or eight years (CDL drivers may only select the eight-year option).

Starting January 1, 2025: a vision test will be required to renew a Kentucky driver’s license. Learn more here

Under 21

REAL ID requirements and timelines are different for applicants under 21.

Note: Kentuckians under 18 are not required to provide identification when flying in the U.S. with a companion with a valid REAL ID.

Learn more here

Renew or Update a REAL ID

If you already have a REAL ID, you may renew or update it online, by mail, or at any Driver Licensing Regional Office. Compare your options here.

No additional documents are required if all the information on your current REAL ID is remaining the same

• Name or gender changes require one legal proof document and may be completed by mail or in person.

• Address changes require one proof of Kentucky residency and may be completed by mail or in person.

TEMPORARY DOCUMENT

Once you apply for a REAL ID credential, you will be issued a 30-day temporary document from the Driver Licensing Regional Office. This temporary document remains valid for driving and/or identification purposes while your permanent REAL ID is mailed to you.

Please be advised that until the physical REAL ID is received, travelers may be subject to enhanced screening at airport security checkpoints. For additional information regarding identification requirements and screening procedures, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.