What Documents Do I Need to Get an ID in Kentucky?

To get an ID card or driver’s license in Kentucky, you need three things: one document proving your identity, one document showing your Social Security number, and proof that you live in Kentucky. A REAL ID takes two residency documents; a standard credential takes one.1Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky Drivers Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards Everything is handled at a Driver Licensing Regional Office run by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the office cannot accept photocopies of identity or Social Security documents.2DRIVE. What Do I Need to Apply

If you show up short one document, you’ll be turned away. So it’s worth working through the list before you go.

Proof of Identity

Bring one original or certified document. The usual choices are a U.S. birth certificate issued by a state or territory government agency, or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.1Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky Drivers Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards A U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate also works.

Hospital-issued birth certificates and commemorative certificates are not accepted. What you need is the certified copy with the government seal, the same document you’d order from vital records.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You need one document showing your full Social Security number. If this is your first Kentucky credential, you must bring your actual Social Security card. A W-2 or pay stub will not substitute for a first-time applicant.1Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky Drivers Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards

If you already have a Kentucky credential on file and you’re renewing or updating, a recent W-2, 1099, or paycheck stub showing the full SSN is acceptable.

Proof of Kentucky Residency

How many residency documents you bring depends on which credential you’re after. A REAL ID (the version with the star, needed to board domestic flights or enter military bases and certain federal facilities) requires two.3Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID A standard credential requires one.1Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky Drivers Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards

The accepted documents split into two groups.

Documents that must be dated within the last year: utility bills (electric, gas, cable, landline), bank statements, a state or federal tax return, a pay stub, a Kentucky voter registration card, and U.S. Postal Service postmarked mail.

Documents that just need to be current, with no one-year limit: a lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, Kentucky vehicle registration, insurance policy, an IRS W-2 or 1099 from the most recent tax year, and enrollment records from a Kentucky educational institution.1Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky Drivers Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards

A P.O. box does not count as proof of a physical address. You can use one to show a mailing address, but you still need separate proof of where you actually live.

Name-Change Documents

If your current legal name doesn’t match the name on your identity document, you’ll need paperwork tracing the change. Accepted documents include a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree that specifically granted a name change, or a certified court order for a legal name change.2DRIVE. What Do I Need to Apply

If your name changed more than once, you need documentation for each change, in sequence. Originals or certified copies only.

Extra Documents for Applicants Under 18

A minor cannot complete an application alone. A parent or legal guardian must be physically present at the office and sign the application for anyone under 18.4DRIVE. First Issuance

For residency, if the minor doesn’t have documents in their own name, a parent or guardian can provide proof of residency in the parent’s name to confirm the applicant lives with them.

Anyone under 18 applying for a learner’s permit or driver’s license (not a plain ID card) also has to bring a School Compliance Verification Form signed by their school, tied to Kentucky’s “No Pass/No Drive” law.4DRIVE. First Issuance You get this form from the school district.

A non-driver ID card is available at age 15 and up, and no driving test or vision screening is required for one.4DRIVE. First Issuance

Extra Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens must bring all documentation proving legal presence in the United States, in addition to the standard identity and residency documents.5Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Non-US Citizen Permanent residents need a current Permanent Resident card (I-551) with photo issued by USCIS. For other visa categories (F-1, H-1B, L-1, and others), the KYTC website has a status selection tool listing required documents for each type.

Foreign birth certificates, marriage licenses, and driver’s licenses from other countries must be accompanied by a notarized English translation. All immigration documents must be originals.5Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Non-US Citizen

Adding a Veteran Designation

Kentucky veterans can add a veteran symbol to a driver’s license or ID card by presenting one of these documents: DD-214, DD-256, DD-257, NGB-22, an official Veterans ID card, or a Veterans Healthcare card.1Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Valid Proof Documents for Kentucky Drivers Licenses, Permits, and Identification Cards Bring this in addition to the identity, SSN, and residency documents above.

Where to Bring Everything

All ID and licensing services run through Driver Licensing Regional Offices operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. These offices replaced the old circuit court clerk offices for licensing.6Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – How Can We Help Appointments are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome at every location.7DRIVE. Find an Office

A first-time REAL ID application must be made in person. There is no mail or online option for that first issuance.7DRIVE. Find an Office At the office you’ll hand over your documents, complete the application, and have your photo taken. If everything checks out, you leave with a temporary document and the permanent card arrives by mail.

Fees and How to Pay

Costs vary by credential and validity period; four-year credentials cost half of eight-year ones.8DRIVE. Pricing Common prices:

Regional Offices take cash, personal checks, certified checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards.7DRIVE. Find an Office Card payments carry a surcharge: 1.5% on debit, 2.75% on credit.11Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Driver License/ID Card Renewal or Replacement

Kentucky also issues a free voter ID card for eligible registered voters who don’t have any other state-issued photo ID. The document requirements are the same (birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency), and the application has to be made in person at a Regional Office.