It seems like the wait for Kentucky’s new driver’s licenses is almost over. The pilot phase for the new license rollout will officially start in Franklin County on June 28, 2019.
Kentucky is one of five states that does not have the licenses that are compliant with Real ID. The rollout dates have been pushed back several times this year, but the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says it is finally moving forward with issuing the licenses.
This pilot phase will include a small number of offices so that the Department of Vehicle Regulation can monitor the process and make sure that it goes smoothly before the cards are distributed statewide. The phase will begin in Franklin County, then will continue in Woodford County and Hart County. Once the pilot period ends, the roll-out will continue county-by-county throughout the state.
Current Kentucky licenses, permits, and IDs will still be valid until their expiration date and you should wait to request a new card until your license is within the six-month renewal window. REAL ID enforcement won’t begin until October 2020.
If you are a Franklin County resident, make sure that you have all of your paperwork in order before you go to get a new license. If you are requesting the new Voluntary Travel ID or if you are applying for a license for the first time, you will need documentation verifying your identity, social security number, and residency. You can see a full list of required documents on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s website.
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Driver’s licensing offices in Franklin County will be closed on Thursday, June 27 so they can install new equipment to make the application process easier. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the experience will be more interactive thanks to touchpads that allow you to enter and verify your personal information.
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