By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
In just under two weeks Kentucky’s REAL ID enforcement date goes into effect.
Without a REAL ID, which is identified by the star inside a black circle, a person will not be able to fly without a passport or visit federal facilities that require IDs. Currently the Kentucky’s enforcement date is May 7, however long lines at Kentucky Transportation regional offices have caused some Kentucky senators to request it to be pushed farther out.
Central Kentucky Senator Jimmy Higdon and 27 other members of the Senate Majority Caucus sent a letter to Homeland Security secretary Krisi Noem requesting a delay of the enforcement date for “another year or two.”
“While the intent behind [the] REAL ID is understandable, we believe the practical impact on Kentuckians must also be considered,” the letter stated. “Despite significant progress, Kentucky is simply not fully prepared for complete implementation. If the REAL ID requirement moves forward as scheduled, it will further strain already overburdened regional offices and create unnecessary hardship.”
“The REAL ID deadline has been delayed multiple times for similar reasons, and we believe another reasonable extension is warranted to ensure a smoother, more accessible rollout,” the letter continued.
Only 36.6 percent of Kentuckians have a REAL ID, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
There is a popup licensing event scheduled for May 7 in the grand jury room in the Barren County Courthouse. Appointments for this REAL ID opportunity must be made only, and can be made here.
The enforcement date remains set at May 7.
