Beshear 'not satisfied' with efforts to speed REAL ID process, supports delay of May deadline
By Josh James
April 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM EDT
Gov. Andy Beshear said multiple challenges are making it difficult for the state to keep up with REAL ID demand and he supports an effort to delay the federal deadline for Kentucky's compliance.
"I'm not satisfied with how we're doing," the governor said Thursday during his weekly press briefing.
Three issues, he said, are combining to produce a perfect storm of lines and delays just as the deadline approaches.
"We have Real ID, which takes a lot of documentation. We have the 60,000 to 75,000 15-year-olds that wanted their permit yesterday. And and this is a one time thing that once we get through, we'll we'll balance out. And then we have some challenges, especially with the new vision screening, just for renewal of driver's licenses," he said.
Starting May 7, state-issued ID cards, such as driver's licenses, won't be accepted for federal purposes, including getting through airport security, unless they are a REAL ID.
Standard licenses can still be obtained, however, if someone is not anticipating a need to fly and passports can still be used. But in trying to speed up the process, Bashear says the state is bringing in a third party to help with driver's license renewals. Eye exam requirements can also be done privately by those who need them to renew a license.
Kentucky Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon and 27 colleagues sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requesting a formal delay of the REAL ID enforcement date.
The lawmakers say the commonwealth isn't ready — and won't be — in part due to limited appointments and the lengthy wait times.
Currently only 40 percent of Kentuckians have a REAL ID and Higdon says a recently passed state bill on the subject won't go into effect until June 27, leaving a gap of a month.
Regional REAL ID offices are open only one Saturday a month.
CBS News reports Kentucky is among at least 17 states that are below 50 percent compliance.
Three issues, he said, are combining to produce a perfect storm of lines and delays just as the deadline approaches.
"We have Real ID, which takes a lot of documentation. We have the 60,000 to 75,000 15-year-olds that wanted their permit yesterday. And and this is a one time thing that once we get through, we'll we'll balance out. And then we have some challenges, especially with the new vision screening, just for renewal of driver's licenses," he said.
Starting May 7, state-issued ID cards, such as driver's licenses, won't be accepted for federal purposes, including getting through airport security, unless they are a REAL ID.
Standard licenses can still be obtained, however, if someone is not anticipating a need to fly and passports can still be used. But in trying to speed up the process, Bashear says the state is bringing in a third party to help with driver's license renewals. Eye exam requirements can also be done privately by those who need them to renew a license.
Kentucky Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon and 27 colleagues sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requesting a formal delay of the REAL ID enforcement date.
The lawmakers say the commonwealth isn't ready — and won't be — in part due to limited appointments and the lengthy wait times.
Currently only 40 percent of Kentuckians have a REAL ID and Higdon says a recently passed state bill on the subject won't go into effect until June 27, leaving a gap of a month.
Regional REAL ID offices are open only one Saturday a month.
CBS News reports Kentucky is among at least 17 states that are below 50 percent compliance.