By Jack Dobbs, Bowling Green Daily News

In six months, Kentuckians looking to travel on domestic commercial flights and access military facilities will be required to have a REAL ID form of identification.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals need to visit a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office. Standard driver’s licenses will still be valid after the May 7, 2025, date and can still be used for voting and age-restricted purchases, such as alcohol. Normal licenses can also still be used to access Social Security and Veterans Administration facilities.

Naitore Djigbenou, executive director of public affairs for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said the main difference between REAL ID and a standard license is that REAL ID requires additional proof of residency during the application, adding further security.

“In terms of access benefits to the average Kentuckian, you can use either one to drive, you can use either one to vote. Can use either one for general purchases,” she said. “Your real differences are just going to come down to when it comes to boarding a domestic flight, accessing a military base and then entering select federal buildings that currently require ID.”

REAL ID licenses are available in both four-year and eight-year forms. Four-year licenses cost $24, and eight-years cost $48. Those looking to upgrade to a REAL ID can renew their license up to six months before an expiration date. If someone is not eligible for renewal, upgrading to REAL ID while keeping the original expiration date costs $15.

Djigbenou said Kentucky drivers who wish to keep a standard-issue license will be able to.

“It will still be an option for Kentuckians to always choose which card version they want to have,” she said. “That’s based on the legislation that exists.”

Thirty-two percent of drivers in Kentucky have opted for REAL ID since the option became available in 2019, she said. The enforcement date has been pushed back several times since then. Djigbenou said this was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the multiyear recovery from that crisis.

While for some Kentuckians who don’t frequently travel a standard ID will suffice, Djigbenou encouraged them to still upgrade to have options available.

“It at least gives you an option to travel,” she said. “You’re not a regular traveler, but there might be something that comes up in the future to where you may need to fly.”

Another change is coming for Kentucky drivers sooner. Starting in January, vision tests will be required for all drivers each time a license renewal comes up. Presently, vision tests are done each time a new driver receives their license.

“Whatever your renewal cycle is, that’s how often you have to get it,” Djigbenou said. “So if you get the eight year (REAL ID) version, you’re doing that vision screening once every eight years. If you get the four year, you’re getting that vision screening once every four.”