LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With less than a week remaining until the May 7 deadline, Kentuckians are rushing to obtain their Real IDs, but long lines and overwhelmed licensing offices have left many concerned about meeting the requirement.
The federal mandate, which will be enforced nationwide, states that after May 7, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license will be necessary to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings. The law, passed two decades ago, has led to increased urgency as travelers seek to ensure they can access airports and other facilities without additional hurdles. While a passport or military ID will also be acceptable forms of identification, many are opting for the Real ID to streamline their travel experience.
Despite repeated requests from Kentucky lawmakers for an extension to the deadline, the Trump Administration has made it clear that there will be no delays. As of last week, just 37% of eligible drivers in Kentucky had secured their Real IDs, significantly lagging behind the national average, where roughly 80% of travelers have already obtained one.
In Louisville, the situation has become particularly problematic, with long waits reported at the Bowman Field Driver Licensing Regional Office. Residents, both with and without appointments, are spending hours in line, a result of several factors, including a new state law requiring vision screenings for license and permit renewals. Additionally, the surge in demand due to the impending deadline has further exacerbated the situation.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has acknowledged the challenges and is working to alleviate the strain on licensing offices. To help ease the congestion, officials are promoting “skip the line” options, allowing drivers to complete vision screenings at an eye specialist and then upload the necessary form online for renewal. Other alternatives include visiting any licensing office for a vision screening, receiving a passcode, and then completing the renewal process online.
For those unable to renew in person, the state has also introduced a mail-in renewal process. Drivers can print the mail-in form from Drive.ky.gov, attach a completed vision form from an eye specialist, and mail it in for processing.
Kentucky officials are urging residents to schedule their appointments online as soon as possible, though available slots are quickly filling up. The state is also offering monthly Saturday hours at licensing offices and scheduling pop-up sessions in counties without permanent driver’s license branches.
For those opting for a Real ID, the cost is $24 for a four-year ID or $48 for an eight-year ID.
As the deadline draws closer, Kentucky residents are encouraged to take advantage of these options to ensure they are prepared to meet the May 7 requirement and avoid any disruptions to their travel plans.
