LOUISVILLE, Ky. — To comply with a two-decade old federal mandate, Kentuckians will soon need a REAL ID if they’d like to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings. But as many people know, lines at the state’s regional licensing offices can often be long. Kentucky state lawmakers are now working to make that process easier.
One bill would allow other entities like AAA to renew licenses is moving through the State House. House Bill 161 has several co-sponsors and could be soon voted on by the entire chamber.complied
In 2022, Kentucky transitioned to a system where licenses are issued at regional offices operated by the Kentucky Transpiration Cabinet. Before that, county clerk’s offices handled this task. The change happened to comply with requirements for what entity can issue a REAL ID.
State Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, wants to go back to the old way and let county clerks to once again issue non-REAL IDs. A change made in House Bill 518.
“REAL ID was passed in 2005 as a knee jerk reaction to 9/11, and frankly, it was an unfunded mandate from the federal government, and it has taken 20 years now to implement in the states,” Maddox said. “And that implementation has left much to be desired here in the Commonwealth and across the nation.”
Maddox added not everyone needs a REAL ID, and can use other forms of identification if needed. She believes letting counties return to offering this service will people who currently have to travel to regional centers, who might run into long wait times even if they’ve made an appointment ahead of time.
Maddox also does not support HB 161.
“I am not supportive of allowing third parties to come in and administer the issuance of driver’s license whenever we had a system that worked, and the regional offices can continue to administer the REAL ID portion. But for a standard driver’s license, every Kentucky and should be able to go to their own county circuit clerk and have their driver’s license renewed,” Maddox said.
In a similar vein, State Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, has filed Senate Bill 166 that would mandate KYTC licensing offices in counties with populations greater than 50,000. It would also allow county clerks to issue IDs and driver’s licenses without a license office.
After May 7, Kentuckians will still have the choice to get either a standard ID or REAL ID.
