Kentucky is working to make REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses available statewide at regional locations as quickly and efficiently as possible. When REAL ID enforcement goes into effect on May 7, 2025, Kentucky driver’s licenses without a black star cannot be used at airport security checkpoints for U.S. commercial air travel or to visit military bases and federal facilities that ​require ID (like the White House). Although there will be travel and access restrictions on the enforcement date, REAL ID cards are optional and citizens do not have to obtain one before the deadline. Other federally approved documents, like a valid passport or passport card, are accepted for U.S. air travel and military base entry.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is opening Driver Licensing Regional Offices to make the new card versions available. To save time and avoid repeat trips when applying for a REAL ID, citizens are urged to prepare now. Take the IDocument Guide quiz or review our valid proof documents checklist to learn what required documents you need to gather or update before applying.