SENATE MAJORITY LEADERS CALL FOR DELAY OF REAL ID DEADLINE

PDF CUTLINE: The April 17 letter to Secretary Noem from Sen. Jimmy Higdon and Senate Majority Caucus Members. View the letter by CLICKING HERE.

SENATE MAJORITY LEADERS CALL 

FOR DELAY OF REAL ID DEADLINE

Sen. Jimmy Higdon leads effort urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to postpone May 7 implementation

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 23, 2025)—Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, joined by 27 members of the Senate Majority Caucus, has sent a formal letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requesting a delay of the federal REAL ID enforcement date, currently set for May 7. The letter is a direct response to growing concerns from Kentuckians across the state who are still unable to access driver’s licensing services due to limited appointment availability and long lines for walk-ins. 

 “This simple request is to protect Kentuckians from bureaucratic burdens,” Higdon said. “Rural residents, seniors, and families still have hurdles in front of them, and in a lot of cases, may not be aware of their options. Only about 40 percent of our residents have a REAL ID, but I would also like more time to help Kentuckians understand that they may not need a REAL ID. Kentucky has made a good faith effort, but we just aren’t there yet.”

 In a recent op-ed, Higdon emphasized that while the May 7 REAL ID deadline is quickly approaching, many Kentuckians may not need a REAL ID at all, depending on their travel and access needs. He clarified that standard driver’s licenses will still be valid for daily use within the state, and alternatives like U.S. passports or passport cards also meet federal requirements for air travel and access to secure facilities. Higdon encouraged residents to review their options early and choose the form of identification that best fits their circumstances.

 Higdon and members of the Senate Majority Caucus noted in their letter that the recently approved Senate Bill 43 will not take effect until June 27. It leaves a gap of more than a month after the current federal deadline. The bill allows third-party vendors to assist with license renewals. 

 The senators delivered the letter amid ongoing challenges that continue to hinder Kentuckians' ability to obtain a REAL ID. Regional licensing offices are now open on one Saturday a month.

 Kentucky became REAL ID compliant in 2019 through legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2017. Because the state was the only one administering licensing through local circuit court clerks at the time, rather than a centralized Department of Motor Vehicles, it transitioned to a regional licensing model. The circuit court clerks' offices were also not technologically equipped to handle the federally mandated responsibility. While the change to a regional model modernized operations, it created new frustrations for Kentuckians. 

 Higdon and the Kentucky General Assembly have taken steps to improve access and expand services, such as Senate Bill 43.

 According to recent data analysis by CBS News, at least 17 states are less than 50 percent compliant with the federal law, and 30 states are less than 70 percent compliant. At approximately 40 percent, Kentucky is ahead of states like New Jersey (17 percent), Pennsylvania (26 percent), and Washington and Maine (27 percent). New York and California are at 43 percent and 55 percent compliance, respectively. 

 “Kentucky isn’t alone—many states are still working toward full compliance, and in some cases, we’re in better shape or right on par with several states,” Higdon said. “We’re not asking for anything out of the ordinary in our request letter, but simply a continuation of the same thoughtful flexibility previously granted when readiness concerns have been brought forward. An additional up to two years can give time for improvements already in motion to take effect. 

 “We want Kentuckians to know that their concerns are valid and that their elected officials are doing what we can to make this whole process easier.”

 The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as part of post-9/11 national security reforms and established federal standards for state-issued identification. Initially set for enforcement in 2008, the deadline has been postponed multiple times due to state-level resistance, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other implementation delays across several states.

For more information on REAL ID requirements and alternative documentation, visit drive.ky.gov or travel.state.gov. 

A copy of the Senate Caucus letter to Secretary Noem is available here. Copies have also been shared with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the General Assembly’s legislative caucuses, and members of Kentucky’s federal delegation.