Kentucky REAL ID and permit documents

Proof of identity (one)

• A U.S. birth certificate from a state or territory. Hospital-issued certificates aren't accepted.
• A U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• A valid U.S. passport or passport card.
• A Permanent Resident Card, a foreign passport with visa and I-94, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.

Social Security number and residency

First-time applicants must bring the Social Security card itself, showing your current name. Others may use a recent W-2 or 1099, a pay stub, or an SSNAP printout. Handwritten documents don't count.

Residency documents dated within the last year include a utility or phone bill, bank statement, tax return, pay slip, Kentucky voter registration card or postmarked mail. A lease, property tax bill, Kentucky vehicle registration or your current Kentucky license also work. A post office box isn't proof of where you live, and forwarded mail can't be used.

Kentucky REAL ID: what's different

• You need two proofs of residency instead of one.
• A REAL ID can only be requested in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. You can't upgrade online or by mail.
• A standard card still works for driving, voting and federal benefits, but not for flights or restricted federal sites like military bases.
• You get a 30-day temporary document at the office. The card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days.
• Permanent residents can get a REAL ID. Other non-U.S. citizens can't.

Under 18 or changed your name

Teens bring a certified birth certificate, their Social Security card, the School Compliance Verification Form (TC 94-200) from school, and a parent or guardian to sign. A guardian not named on the birth certificate needs certified court guardianship papers.

If your name has changed, bring every document that shows the change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or name change order, and update your Social Security card first. A marriage license doesn't count.