First, officials are reminding residents that existing passports will still be sufficient ID to board a plane and standard driver's licenses will remain in effect, so if you're not anticipating a need to fly or visit a federal building in the near future, REAL ID may be able to wait.
To see all the activities affected by REAL ID, go to TSA.gov.
If you do need a REAL ID before the May 7 enforcement date, the Kentucky State Transportation Department says there are a number of ways to cut down on the wait.
- For those who can, visit an eye specialist, ask for a vision screening form and upload it to renew online at DLRenewal.ky.gov.
- Visit a licensing office, get a vision screening, receive a passcode, then return home to renew online at DLRenewal.ky.gov.
- Visit a licensing office, get the vision screening, fill out a renewal form on site without waiting and receive a temporary license via email.
- Renew by mail: Print and fill out the mail-in form at Drive.ky.gov and attach a completed vision form from an eye specialist.
Applicants can also follow the steps on the Skip the Line site and see which route is best for them.
“We understand the frustration of lines and want everyone to know what’s available to save them the time and hassle of unnecessary waits,” Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said. “Since 2020, when lawmakers shifted licensing from circuit court clerks to our cabinet, our professional licensing staff have set up 34 regional offices and are committed to caring for their customers, issuing over 1.1 million permits, driver licenses, CDLs, Real IDs, motorcycle licenses, and ID cards each year.”
More info is at Drive.ky.gov.