Warren County is one of only four counties in Kentucky that’s currently issuing Real ID driver’s licenses.
Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 following the nine-eleven terrorist attacks. The law mandates every state issue driver’s licenses that are more resistant to tampering or fraud.
Warren Circuit Clerk Brandi Duvall spoke to the Bowling Green Noon Rotary Club on Wednesday. She said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which is issuing Real ID licenses, plans to open 12 regional offices in the state with each serving ten counties, following approval from the General Assembly.
“There will be a law that passes this year that should outline exactly which counties will be regional counties and which counties those offices will serve," Duvall told reporters.
Governor Beshear recently announced the Frankfort Real ID office will serve all 120 counties. If Kentuckians don’t want to make the trip there, they can wait until an office closer to them opens.
Although Warren County is a regional office, it is currently only serving residents of that county.
Existing Kentucky driver’s licenses will remain valid at airports, federal courthouses, and military posts until October 1. That’s when Kentucky’s extension on complying with the federal Real ID Act expires.
Duvall said she’s been getting mixed reviews since the state Transportation Cabinet opened a Real ID office in Bowling Green last month. Wait times for new driver’s licenses have ranged from 15 minutes to over an hour.
Kentuckians can choose between a Standard License or a Travel ID which has more security features. The Travel ID will be required to board airplanes, enter federal courthouses, and military facilities. When visiting a Real ID office, Duvall said applicants of the Travel ID will need documents to show proof of identification, social security number, and residency.
"Proof of identification would be your birth certificate or passport. Proof of your social security number would be a non-laminated social security card. They also accept a recent W2, 1099, or pay stub that has your full social security number printed on there," explained Duvall. "For proof of residency, a deed, lease, utility bill, a piece of mail, anything that’s postmarked within the last 60 days.”
A Standard License that's good for four years will cost $21.50 and $23 for eight years. A four-year Travel ID will cost $24 and an eight-year $48.
