Kentucky unveils new driver license ahead of 2019 launch

REAL ID becomes enforced Oct. 1, 2020

Kentucky has unveiled its upgraded driver license which people can start obtaining in 2019.

The announcement took place Monday at the Louisville International Airport.

Beginning in 2019, all Kentucky identification cards will have new security features, and people living in the state can apply for a new one at their Circuit Court Clerk's office.

The IDs will have an eight-year lifespan, and there will be different options. One option is called a Voluntary Travel ID, and it will allow you to board domestic flights and access restricted federal facilities once REAL ID becomes enforced Oct. 1, 2020.

“The driving force behind Kentucky’s new, upgraded licenses, permits and IDs is security," Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson said.

The standard credential will allow you to vote, make age-restricted purchases and access federal benefits. The standard credential will only allow you to fly and visit restricted federal facilities until the REAL ID enforcement begins. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been requiring all states to use new technology to store identification information.

The eight-year cost for a driver license is $43 for standard and $48 for voluntary.

Kentucky said it expects to release the new identification card design in September. The Commonwealth is one of the last states to comply with the federal law.