KYTC launches online document guide and reminds travelers to check credentials
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2018) – With large numbers of travelers expected to take to the skies and roads this holiday season, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) encouraging license holders to check their card’s expiration date to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints and possible citations on the road.
“Driver’s licenses are a common form of identification used for domestic air travel, and checking the expiration date now can save travelers from being grounded during this prime travel time,” said Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson. “A quick check can also ensure motorists are not unknowingly driving with an expired license.”
Prior to air travel, Kentuckians should check the expiration date on their license, permit or personal ID to make sure it is valid for both their departure and return dates. Identity credentials can be renewed up to six months before the listed expiration date by visiting the Circuit Court Clerk office in the cardholder’s county of residence.
Identifying the expiration date now also helps cardholders interested in requesting a new Voluntary Travel ID – a REAL ID compliant Kentucky driver’s license, permit or personal ID acceptable for air travel and restricted facility entry- know whether their renewal window occurs before federal enforcement begins Oct. 1, 2020. A phased, statewide rollout of the new standard and Voluntary Travel ID will begin in early 2019 and conclude in the spring. Once implementation begins, all first-time cardholder applicants or those requesting a Voluntary Travel ID will need to present documentation. KYTC has launched the IDocument Guide, an online interactive tool on drive.ky.gov to help residents determine what documents they should gather before the rollout begins. The form guides visitors through a short series of questions to create a personalized list of documents to bring to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office when applying for the card. The card will be received in the mail 5-10 business days later.
Applicants requesting a new Voluntary Travel ID or first-time standard driver’s license will need to present documentation proving identity (such as a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card), social security number (such as a social security card or W-2 form), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease; two proofs required for a Voluntary Travel ID). To renew a standard driver’s license or personal ID if no changes regarding personal information (i.e. current legal name, address) have taken place, applicants will only need to surrender their current license and take a new photo. Personal identification cards require the same verification documents as a license.
“This tool helps future applicants walk into the Circuit Court Clerk office with confidence that they have the right documentation in hand by creating a tailored list of documents based on a range of individual considerations that affect what type of documents are necessary,” said Henderson. “Sparing a few minutes now can really pay off later by avoiding unnecessary, repeat trips, and it helps residents begin the process of replacing or updating documentation before it’s time to renew.”
Some Kentuckians may need to obtain replacement copies of documents if they plan to present them to satisfy the requirements. A certified copy of a birth certificate can be acquired by contacting the vital statistics agency in the state of your birth. Those born in Kentucky may contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. To request a replacement Social Security card, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.
If your personal information (i.e. current legal name) is different than what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must present additional documentation, such as a marriage license or divorce decree. A full list of acceptable documents is available online.
A standard credential is acceptable for voting, age-restricted purchases and driving (with a license or permit). As long as Kentucky maintains an extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it is also acceptable for U.S. air travel and restricted federal facility entry until federal enforcement begins Oct. 1, 2020. A Voluntary Travel ID credential is acceptable for voting, age-restricted purchases, driving (with a license or permit), U.S. air travel and restricted federal facility entry both prior to and following federal enforcement. Non-U.S. citizens may only apply for a new standard credential.
To prepare for the upcoming changes, visit drive.ky.gov/confidentky.