LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With just two weeks remaining until the federal Real ID deadline on May 7, Kentucky is facing significant challenges in meeting the requirements. According to state officials, only 36.3% of eligible Kentuckians have obtained a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, prompting growing concern among local leaders. In response, 28 state senators are calling on the federal government to delay the implementation of the Real ID mandate, citing Kentucky’s unpreparedness to fully meet the deadline.
The request, made in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dated April 17, was spearheaded by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, chair of the Kentucky Senate Transportation Committee. The letter expresses that the state is not fully prepared for the Real ID rollout and warns that proceeding as scheduled could exacerbate the strain on overburdened regional offices.
“If the REAL ID requirement moves forward as scheduled, it will further strain already overburdened regional offices and create unnecessary hardship, particularly for seniors, rural residents, and working families who struggle to access the necessary documents or transportation,” the letter reads. The senators are requesting an additional extension to ensure a smoother transition for Kentuckians.
The Real ID deadline is part of a nationwide effort to enhance security standards for identification documents. However, in Kentucky, where demand for the compliant IDs is rising, the infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Long lines have become a common sight at local driver’s license branches, particularly in Louisville, where people are rushing to secure their Real IDs before the deadline. A quick search for appointment availability at local branches on Wednesday revealed no open slots, underscoring the high demand.
John Woodford, a Louisville resident who visited a local branch on Broadway and 29th Street, expressed frustration after waiting in line for over 30 minutes. “It’s hard for time slots, it’s too long, and there’s not a big enough place for us,” he said. “Everybody wants to get here early, so it’s going to be a line when you get here early.” Woodford, like many others, believes more could be done to accommodate the surge in demand. “Build a bigger branch out here,” he suggested. “I know it’s the west end, but it’s the best end. Help us out. We are just trying to get things done on the timeline.”
The Real ID licenses, which cost $24 for a four-year ID and $48 for an eight-year ID, are required for certain activities such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Despite the looming deadline, many Kentuckians remain unaware of the impending changes or have struggled to secure the necessary documentation.
While some measures to address the backlog were passed in the last legislative session, they will not be implemented in time to impact the upcoming deadline. With the clock ticking, the state senators’ letter emphasizes the importance of additional time to prevent undue hardship on residents who are still in the process of obtaining a Real ID.
As the deadline approaches, the demand for Real IDs is expected to intensify, raising further concerns about the capacity of Kentucky’s driver’s license branches to handle the load. Local officials and residents alike are hoping that the federal government will grant the requested extension, providing more time for Kentucky to meet the Real ID requirements without causing undue stress on its citizens.
