Upgrade to REAL ID · Kentucky

Bring these documents

• One proof of identity (original or certified)[2]Required

  Original or certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or U.S. Citizenship/Naturalization Certificate. No photocopies. A driver's license does NOT count as identity proof for REAL ID.

• One proof of Social Security number[2]Required

  Social Security card, SSNAP replacement printout, most recent W-2 or 1099, or a paycheck stub/statement showing the full number. Handwritten paystubs and documents missing the full number are rejected.

• TWO proofs of Kentucky residency dated within the last year[2]Required

  Utility bill, telephone bill, USPS-postmarked mail, KY DL/permit/ID, lease/rental agreement, or mortgage statement. Forwarded mail cannot be used.

• Proof of every name change since birth (if applicable)[2]If applicable

  Certified marriage certificate (required even if your current KY credential already shows the married name), certified divorce decree, certified legal name change order, valid military ID, or court order. A marriage license is NOT accepted.

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1[9]

   Check whether you actually need a REAL ID. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other TSA-acceptable credential works for domestic flights and federal facilities.

   Open official page Source: tsa.gov
2. 2

   Step 2[5]

   Take the IDocument Guide Quiz on drive.ky.gov to generate a personalized list of exactly which documents you need.

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov
3. 3

   Step 3[2]

   Update your name with Social Security FIRST if your current name differs from your birth certificate. Bring proof of every name change in the chain.

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov
4. 4

   Step 4[10]

   Book an appointment at a Driver Licensing Regional Office — REAL ID upgrades cannot be done online or by mail.

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov
5. 5

   Step 5[8]

   Bring all ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED documents (photocopies are rejected) and a payment method. Cash, check, or card accepted in person (card adds 1.5% debit / 2.75% credit).

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov
6. 6

   Step 6[8]

   You receive a paper temporary credential at the office; the permanent REAL ID card arrives in 10–15 business days.

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov

Common reasons this gets rejected

• Bringing only ONE residency document

  REAL ID requires TWO proofs of Kentucky residency dated within the last year. Standard credentials only need one — this is the most common reason REAL ID upgrades are turned away.

• Photocopies instead of originals

  Federal REAL ID rules require original or certified documents. A photocopy of your birth certificate or Social Security card will be rejected at the counter.

• Missing a name change in the chain

  If your name has changed more than once, you need certified documentation for EACH change linking back to your birth certificate. Marriage licenses are not accepted — you need the certified marriage certificate.

• Name on documents doesn't match Social Security

  Kentucky verifies your name against the SSA database before issuing a REAL ID. Update Social Security first or your application will fail verification.

• Assuming a U.S. passport requires you to get a REAL ID

  It doesn't. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or other TSA-accepted credential is enough for flights and federal buildings. REAL ID is optional.

• Non-U.S. citizens applying for REAL ID without permanent residency

  Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may apply for a REAL ID. Other lawful presence holders are limited to standard credentials.

Talk to a human

Sources

1. [1]DRIVE — REAL ID Home
2. [2]DRIVE — REAL ID What You Need
3. [3]DRIVE — REAL ID Pricing
4. [4]DRIVE — Can I Renew or Upgrade to a REAL ID?
5. [5]DRIVE — IDocument Guide Quiz
6. [6]DRIVE — Valid Proof Documents (PDF)
7. [7]DRIVE — Permanent Resident Information
8. [8]DRIVE — Compare Licensing Service Options
9. [9]TSA — REAL ID
10. [10]Find a Driver Licensing Regional Office