REAL ID Kentucky 2026: Documents, Where to Apply, ID Cards

What are the REAL ID Kentucky requirements?

One proof of identity, original or certified: a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate. A driver’s license or hospital-issued birth certificate doesn’t count.
One proof of your full Social Security number. First-time applicants and out-of-state transfers bring the card itself.
Two proofs of Kentucky residency, such as a utility or phone bill, postmarked mail, your Kentucky license or a lease. Forwarded mail can’t be used.
Proof of any name change, such as a certified marriage certificate. A marriage license isn’t accepted, and your Social Security record must show the new name first.

Permanent residents can get a REAL ID. Other non-U.S. citizens can’t.

Kentucky proof of residency and other documents →

Upgrade now or at renewal

If your card expires more than six months from now, you pay an upgrade fee for a REAL ID version that keeps your current expiration date. If it expires within six months, you ask for REAL ID when you renew for four or eight years. Either way it’s done in person. The prices are on the fees page.

Kentucky license and permit fees →KY driver’s license renewal and replacement →

Do you need a Kentucky REAL ID appointment?

Appointments are recommended but not required. Book one online, or walk in to any Regional Office. Fill in the myDrive pre-application first so you bring the right documents. Counties without an office sometimes host pop-up events, for residents of that county only, with appointments that open two weeks before.

You leave with a 30-day temporary document you can use to drive or as ID, though you may get extra screening at the airport until the card arrives. If it hasn’t come after 30 days, call the Division of Driver Licensing at (502) 564-1257.

Booking a Kentucky driver’s license appointment →Kentucky driver’s license offices and KSP sites →

What a standard card still does

A standard Kentucky license or ID still works for driving, voting, applying for federal benefits, going to court and entering federal buildings that don’t ask for ID, such as post offices. It doesn’t work for boarding a U.S. flight or entering restricted federal sites such as military bases.

Kentucky ID cards

Anyone 15 or older can apply for a standard or REAL ID card in person at a Regional Office, and under 18 a parent or guardian comes along. There’s also a child ID for ages 2 to 15, a free voter ID and a free homeless ID. Since July 15, 2024, you can’t get an ID card while you hold a valid Kentucky permit or license.

To renew an ID, use myDrive, mail Form TC 94‑192 or visit an office. Only the office can upgrade it to REAL ID or change your name. ID card fees are on the fees page.

Kentucky license and permit fees →Kentucky DMV online services and myDrive →

Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet · Kentucky State Police and 4 more. Checked October 2026.