Official checklist
Get a State ID Card · Kentucky
Verified against Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office on May 19, 2026.
Any website charging more than this amount is not the official government source.
Bring these documents
Step by step
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.
Step 2[3]
Bring all ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED documents — photocopies are rejected at the counter.
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.
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.
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.
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Forwarded or out-of-date residency documents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
Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Appointment required — schedule before you visit.
Sources
- [1]DRIVE — Renew, Replace, Update a Credential
- [2]DRIVE — Compare Licensing Service Options
- [3]DRIVE — REAL ID What You Need
- [4]DRIVE — REAL ID Pricing
- [5]DRIVE — Contact Us
- [6]Form TC 94-192 (DL/ID Renewal or Replacement)
- [7]Online Renewal Portal — dlrenewal.ky.gov
- [8]KRS 186.531 — Fees for licenses, permits, and identification cards
- [9]Find a Driver Licensing Regional Office
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Last verified: May 19, 2026 · Spot something wrong? Report a correction →