Transportation Cabinet Unveils New KY Licenses

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has unveiled the design of the 2019 driver's licenses, permits and personal IDs.

The new licenses were unveiled Monday morning at a press event at the Louisville International Airport. Kentucky's new issuance system and updated identity credentials, known as Confident Kentucky, reportedly offer increased counterfeit protection and showcase a new, modern look.

According to a KYTC press release, beginning in early 2019 Kentuckians renewing existing driver's licenses, permits or personal IDs, or those applying for the first time, may request their card in one of two versions: a new standard credential or a Voluntary Travel ID credential. All credentials will be produced at a single, secure location and offer the same security improvements.

Officials say the revamped look supports improvements that make cards harder to reproduce and more durable. The new identification will be good for eight-years before renewal is required.

Photos on the new licenses are laser engraved on the card, which makes them more detailed and tamper-resistant. 

The new licenses are in response to the REAL ID Act of 2005, which 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, including military bases. Beginning in 2020, travelers will need a new Voluntary Travel ID, or another acceptable form of identification to pass through airport security checkpoints for flights within the country.

A change has also been made in the process: local courthouses will not issue the cards. Instead of immediately getting this new license or ID at the local Circuit Clerk's office, applicants will get a temporary document that is good for 30 days along with an altered version of their original license, and will receive their new credentials by US Mail from the state in 5-10 days. 

The temporary credential alone can be used for driving and voting purposes and is accepted to enter Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. When used in conjunction with the altered credential, it will be accepted to board domestic flights.  

During the first four years of the issuance system, non-CDL applicants and those 21 and older may request a four-year or eight-year credential. An eight-year standard driver’s license will be $43, and an eight-year Voluntary Travel ID license will be $48. Four-year licenses are half the cost. Non-U.S. citizens (excluding 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 and receive an approval letter to request the credential at their local Circuit Court Clerk office.