FRANKFORT, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) — Kentucky driver’s licenses will undergo major upgrades in 2019 to enhance security and comply with new laws.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials today announced the launch of the Confident Kentucky initiative to improve the security of state driver’s licenses and introduce a new Voluntary Travel ID credential that meets federal standards to board U.S. flights and enter select federal facilities.
Through a phased rollout of the new credentials beginning in January 2019 and extending statewide by the spring, all Kentucky driver’s licenses, permits and personal IDs will have new security features, will arrive in the mail 5-10 business days after residents apply at their local Circuit Court Clerk’s office and will transition to an eight-year lifespan.
New pricing will be in place to account for the doubled renewal cycle and additional security features. Once implemented, Kentuckians can request a license, permit or personal ID in one of two versions to best suit their needs: a standard credential or a Voluntary Travel ID credential.
“We’re expanding choice even further by offering applicants over the age of 21 the option between a four-year credential or an eight-year credential during the first four years of this new system,” said Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson. “Starting January 1, 2023, all licenses and IDs will be valid for eight years. Starting with the 2019 rollout, all CDL credentials will be valid for eight years to maximize convenience for Kentucky’s 136,000 commercial drivers whose livelihoods depend on driving credentials and have work schedules that may conflict with traditional office hours.”
New credential for air travel and federal facility access
At the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, the REAL ID Act of 2005 set new requirements nationwide for identification that federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, may accept for domestic air travel and entrance to certain federal facilities. On October 1, 2020, Kentucky’s standard licenses will no longer be accepted to board U.S. flights or enter military bases.
The Commonwealth’s new Voluntary Travel ID is a state-maintained, federally compliant license accepted at airport security checkpoints and military bases.
Standard driver’s licenses and permits will remain acceptable to drive, vote, access federal and social benefit services (such as VA hospitals, Social Security offices, and federal courthouses) and for general identification purposes (such as signing a lease or purchasing age-restricted goods). A Voluntary Travel ID credential offers the benefits of a standard credential and is federally accepted to board U.S. flights and access restricted federal facilities.
As long as Kentucky is under an extension from the Department of Homeland Security, a standard driver’s license and ID card can be used to board U.S. commercial flights — until REAL ID enforcement begins October 1, 2020. Kentucky is one of 22 states and U.S. territories currently under extension and expects to maintain extensions until enforcement begins in 2020. At that point, travelers will need a new Voluntary Travel ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to pass through airport security checkpoints. Air travelers under the age of 18 do not need a Voluntary Travel ID if they are accompanied by an adult with acceptable documentation.
Identity verification and new pricing
The new licensing system is a reset across the board for all identity verification documents. To renew a standard driver’s license or personal ID, applicants will only need to surrender their current license. First-time applicants or those requesting a new Voluntary Travel ID credential will need to present documentation verifying identity (e.g. a certified birth certificate, passport or Permanent Resident Card), social security number (e.g. a social security card), and proof of residency (e.g. a utility bill or lease; two proofs required for a Voluntary Travel ID). Personal identification cards require the same verification documents as a license.
A list of acceptable documentation is available on drive.ky.gov/confidentky.
A new eight-year standard driver’s license will be $43, and a new eight-year Voluntary Travel ID will be $48. Four-year credentials are half the cost. Non- U.S. citizens (exluding permanent residents) seeking a new standard credential will visit any Division of Driver Licensing Regional Field Office, pay a $30 application fee to cover federal verification charges and processing, an receive an approval letter to request the credential at their local Circuit Court Clerk office. More complete pricing, including information for motorcyclists and CDL holders, is available at drive.ky.gov/confidentky. More complete pricing, including information for motorcyclists and CDL holders, is available at drive.ky.gov/confidentky.
The new look of Kentucky driver’s licenses and more details about the security features will be unveiled in September, once the design process is complete. A rollout schedule will be available this fall. Kentuckians are encouraged to find out what documentation they need when applying before the changes take effect to allow enough time to gather needed source documents or update legal names.
To learn more about the upcoming changes, please visit drive.ky.gov/confidentky.