REAL ID Takes Effect Today: How Will It Impact Kentucky's Airports?

Today is May 7, 2025, marking the start of official federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act.

The implementation of REAL ID has been 20 years in the making, and it has finally arrived.
multiple delays
The federal law that established this measure was approved by Congress following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
It seeks to eliminate an oversight.
utilized by the attackers to carry out those assaults.

The Transportation Security Administration has been getting ready, and a local representative mentioned earlier this month
The agency does not anticipate any significant issues.
Despite this, if you arrive at a TSA security checkpoint lacking a valid REAL ID or another acceptable identification document, anticipate undergoing extra identity verification steps and potential holdups.

The TSA suggests that individuals traveling without a REAL ID or an equivalent identification such as a passport should be aware of the potential requirements they may face.
get to the airport three hours ahead of time
To allow sufficient time for security checks, as reported by CBS News.

Officials from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington have echoed this sentiment, says Lauren Simmerman, who serves as the airport’s community relations manager.

“Starting tomorrow, May 7, 2025, the Real ID requirements will come into effect. Individuals who do not possess a Real ID or another valid form of identification should anticipate potential delays at TSA security checks and prepare accordingly, since they might face additional screenings,” Simmerman stated in an emailed message to the Herald-Leader on Tuesday.

With the implementation of REAL ID regulations underway, here are responses to the most common queries on travelers’ minds.

Is it possible to obtain a REAL ID after May 7, 2025?

Certainly. Authorities from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have emphasized that May 7 is the enforcement date rather than the deadline.

We encourage residents of Kentucky to prepare a strategy for their travel requirements,” said Allen Blair, a representative from KYTC, in an email sent to the Herald-Leader on March 13th. “If your flight isn’t immediately necessary, consider taking advantage of this period to enhance or obtain a REAL ID prior to departure.

As of late February, precisely 1,270,737 residents of Kentucky had chosen to obtain REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state identification cards, according to Blair. This number accounts for nearly 35% of all individuals possessing such documents within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

This spring, the state’s local driver’s license centers will be
faced lengthy queues and waiting periods
As they manage the increase in demand for REAL IDs along with a newly implemented vision screening requirement for driver renewal.

How can you tell if your ID meets REAL ID standards?

In Kentucky, REAL ID-compliant cards feature a white star inside a black circle.

According to the KYTC, the following are
regarded as valid identification options for commercial flights within the USA
, including domestic flights:

Kentucky’s variations of REAL ID cards along with similar compliant IDs provided by other states
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s secure traveler program cards (including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense identification cards, which include those given to family members
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Government-approved, tribe-provided photographic identification
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian province driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
transport worker identification card (TWID)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Work Permit Card (Form I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)

You might additionally be required to show a REAL ID card when accessing federal facilities.

To learn more about acquiring a REAL ID driver’s license or state ID in Kentucky, including the necessary documentation and fees, you can visit
drive.ky.gov
or
check out our guide
for obtaining one.

Are you curious about something related to Lexington or Kentucky? Our service journalism team would love to assist. Please fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or send an email to ask@herald-leader.com with your questions.

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