Get a State ID Card · Kentucky

Bring these documents

• One proof of identity (original or certified)[3]Required

  Certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or U.S. Citizenship/Naturalization Certificate. Hospital-issued birth certificates and photocopies are NOT accepted.

• Proof of Social Security number[3]Required

  First-time applicants must bring the actual Social Security card. Renewals can use a W-2, 1099, SSNAP printout, or paystub showing the full SSN.

• Proof of Kentucky residency[3]Required

  1 document for a standard ID, 2 for a REAL ID. Must be dated within the last year (utility bill, lease/mortgage, bank statement, USPS-postmarked mail). Forwarded mail is not accepted.

• Proof of name change (if applicable)[3]If applicable

  Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal name change order, or court order. Update Social Security first.

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1[9]

   For a first-time ID or any REAL ID upgrade, book an appointment at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. ID Cards are processed at the same offices as driver's licenses.

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov
2. 2

   Step 2[3]

   Bring all ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED documents — photocopies are rejected at the counter.

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

   Step 3[2]

   If you're renewing an existing standard ID (no name change, no REAL ID upgrade), you can renew online at dlrenewal.ky.gov or by mailing Form TC 94-192.

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

   Step 4[2]

   Pay by cash, check, or card in person (card adds 1.5% debit / 2.75% credit). Online accepts card only. By mail, make checks payable to Kentucky State Treasurer.

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

   Step 5[2]

   Receive a paper temporary ID at the office (in-person and mail) or wait for the card by mail (online — no temp issued). Card arrives in 10–15 business days.

   Open official page Source: drive.ky.gov

Common reasons this gets rejected

• Bringing a hospital-issued 'birth' certificate

  Only state-issued certified birth certificates count. The decorative hospital certificate with baby footprints is rejected for both standard ID and REAL ID.

• Only one residency document for a REAL ID

  REAL ID requires TWO proofs of Kentucky residency dated within the last year. A standard ID only needs one — make sure you know which you're applying for.

• Name change without updating Social Security first

  Kentucky verifies your name against the SSA database. Change your name with Social Security and wait for the database to update BEFORE applying for a new ID.

• Trying to upgrade a standard ID to REAL ID by mail or online

  REAL ID upgrades — including for ID cards — must be done in person at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. Mail and online keep your existing card type.

• Forwarded or out-of-date residency documents

  Mail that was forwarded by USPS is not accepted, and residency documents must be dated within the last year. A utility bill from 14 months ago will be rejected.

Talk to a human

Sources

1. [1]DRIVE — Renew, Replace, Update a Credential
2. [2]DRIVE — Compare Licensing Service Options
3. [3]DRIVE — REAL ID What You Need
4. [4]DRIVE — REAL ID Pricing
5. [5]DRIVE — Contact Us
6. [6]Form TC 94-192 (DL/ID Renewal or Replacement)
7. [7]Online Renewal Portal — dlrenewal.ky.gov
8. [8]KRS 186.531 — Fees for licenses, permits, and identification cards
9. [9]Find a Driver Licensing Regional Office