Kentucky lawmakers ask feds for extension of May's REAL ID deadline

Kentucky lawmakers are asking the Trump administration to push back the looming deadline to get a REAL ID.

The deadline is May 7 for people to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

The upcoming enforcement date has led to long lines and wait times outside KYTC offices. But a group of Kentucky lawmakers are now trying to push for an extension on that deadline.

Senator Jimmy Higdon and 27 members of the Senate Majority Caucus sent a letter to Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem requesting a delay of the REAL ID enforcement date. 

Lawmakers said many Kentuckians have been unable to schedule an appointment and had to wait in long lines for walk-ins.

According to Higdon, only 40% of Kentuckians have a REAL ID. 

Kentucky Senate Bill 43, which allows third-party vendors to assist with license renewals, was passed in March but doesn’t go into effect until June 27.

REAL ID was first passed by Congress 20 years ago to increase security after the September 11th attacks. Some states became REAL ID compliant shortly after, but Kentucky only became compliant in 2019.

Meanwhile, alternatives like U.S. passports, global entry cards or military ID also meet federal requirements for air travel and access to secure facilities.


(AP Photo Rick Bowmer)