Ky.gov

REAL ID vs Standard ID

Real ID

​​​​​​​​As of May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable federal form of ID to fly within the United States, visit military bases, or enter a federal building that requires a REAL ID. REAL ID-compliant cards in Kentucky have a star cutout in a black circle in the upper-right portion of the card.​​

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Here’s a list of acceptable forms of ID for U.S. commercial air travel:

  • Kentucky’s REAL ID card versions or other REAL ID-compliant cards offered by other states

  • U.S. passport

  • U.S. passport card

  • DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

  • Permanent resident card

  • Border crossing card

  • DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license

  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

  • HSPD-12 PIV card

  • For​eign government-issued passport

  • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®)

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)


Where to get a U.S. passport
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​ How to get a U.S. passport
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DIFFERENCES BETW​EEN CREDENTIALS​​​

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Kentucky Standard Driver's License sample  

Standard Cred​ential

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

Not eligible to be used for domestic flights and military bases. Download the full acceptable documents list.

Kentucky REAL ID sample  

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

​ Download the full acceptable documents list.​