WASHINGTON — Americans have two more years to obtain a REAL ID, the Department of Homeland Security announced Monday.
Driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for U.S. commercial air travel or visiting military bases or federal buildings requiring an I.D. after May 7, 2025.
The new date replaces the previous date of May 3, 2023.
According to the DHS, the extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.
“We’ve made great strides in the past two years to increase REAL ID access for Kentuckians who prefer to use a driver’s license or I.D. card to maintain travel and access benefits,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a press release. “Kentuckians who have a REAL ID can rest easy they’ll be prepared when the time comes. The grace period is welcome news, especially for those still recovering from back-to-back natural disasters, who have more time to gather and replace needed documents if they choose to apply for a REAL ID.”
Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.
Currently, 17% of Kentuckians with state-issued driving and identification credentials have a REAL ID version (which displays a star icon in the top right corner of the card). In Kentucky, residents can choose between a standard or REAL ID-compliant version of their driver’s license, permit or identification card.
“All Driver Licensing Regional Offices are equipped to serve any Kentuckian who’d like to apply for a REAL ID version of their driving credential or I.D. card,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Gray said. “Most REAL ID cardholders can skip a trip when they’re due to renew by doing it online or by mail.”
While the KYTC now offers online and mail-in renewal options, first-time REAL ID applicants must apply in person by presenting the required documents. A list of acceptable documents, as well as the IDocument Guide personalized document quiz, is available at realidky.com.
“I encourage Kentuckians to make a REAL ID plan now by gathering the necessary application documents,” Gray said. “If you plan to use another federally-accepted document, like a passport, to travel within the U.S., be sure to check the expiration date to ensure it will still be valid come May 7, 2025.”
A valid passport is still needed for international travel after REAL ID enforcement. More information about REAL ID can be found at realidky.com.