DRIVER’S LICENSE FRAUD SCANDAL SHOWS FAILURE OF BESHEAR LEADERSHIP, NEED FOR BORDER SECURITY
Senator calls for independent investigation, stronger oversight and transparency; promises legislation to return licensing services to counties
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2025) — The following is a statement from Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, regarding recent reports of Kentucky driver’s licenses being sold to illegal aliens.
“When the integrity of our driver’s licensing system is compromised, public safety is at risk. Allowing illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses, whether through negligence or willful disregard, creates vulnerabilities that no Kentuckian should accept. This went on for years without decisive action, and that is unacceptable.
“In the SEAL Teams, if a system is compromised, you fix it and make it stronger than before. Kentucky must do the same. We need legislation that restores licensing authority to the county level, where accountability is local, direct and responsive. That is how you close security gaps and protect the people.
“On day one of the 2026 session, I will introduce a bill to make that happen. And right now, I am calling for a full, independent investigation, completely separate from the executive branch, to identify every failure, gap and individual who violated the law. Our mission should be clear: Immediately secure Kentucky's drivers license system, restore trust and hold the line for Kentucky.”
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BACKGROUND
According to a WDRB News report, a former DMV clerk and whistleblower reported witnessing multiple incidents per day in which driver’s licenses were issued to individuals in the country illegally after they paid $200 in cash to state workers. WDRB reports that the Governor’s Office and Cabinet officials declined to comment on the allegations, and that prior statements from the Governor regarding fraud made no mention of issues involving illegal aliens. The same whistleblower claims the fraudulent activity persisted despite repeated warnings to supervisors.
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Sen. Aaron Reed represents the 7th Senate District, including Anderson, Henry, and Shelby Counties, along with a portion of Jefferson County. He serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Agriculture; Education; Judiciary; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. He is also a member of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. Reed is currently serving on the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force during the Interim.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Sen. Reed, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=107
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