Kentucky residents will soon be able to have one of the most secure credentials in the nation.

Beginning in January 2019, Kentucky residents will be able to get a "Voluntary Travel ID".

This video explains the Confident Kentucky initiative:

What's changing?

  • New Security, New Look: All credentials will have a new look to house the latest, state-of-the-art security features that will make Kentucky cards among the most secure in the nation.
  • Arrive In The Mail: Residents will continue to visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in their county of residence to apply for a new credential. The requested credential will arrive in the mail at the address provided by the applicant 5-10 business days later. Applicants will leave the Circuit Court Clerk’s office with a 30-day temporary printed document until the requested credential arrives in the mail.​​​
  • Extended Shelf-Life: For the first four years of the new issuance process, non-CDL applicants and applicants over age 21 can choose between a four-year or eight-year credential. From year five and on, all applicants will receive an eight-year credentialCDL credentials will be offered in eight-year renewal cycles only.
  • Optional Travel License: A Voluntary Travel ID credential offers all of the benefits of a standard credential, plus they are federally acceptable to board U.S. domestic flights and enter federally restricted facilities.
  • New Pricing: The cost of all credentials will change to account for the extended renewal cycle and additional security improvements.
  • More Engagement, Upgraded Equipment: Expect a more interactive experience at your local Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Applicants will verify their personal information, such as their current address and the spelling of their names, using touchpads and all locations will receive modern equipment to quickly process required documentation.

Both standard credentials and Voluntary Travel IDs are acceptable to:

  • Enter federal facilities, such as museums or a post office, that do not require a person to present identification;
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits;
  • Access health or life preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings);
  • Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations;
  • Operate a vehicle;
  • Vote or register to vote

Voluntary Travel IDs are acceptable to:

  • Pass through airport security checkpoints to board U.S. commercial flights;
  • Access federally restricted facilities, like military bases, nuclear power plants, federal agencies (like the FBI) and the White House

What isn't changing?

  • As long as Kentucky has an extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through October 1, 2020, residents may continue to use standard licenses for domestic air travel and federal facility entry.
  • Residents will continue to visit Circuit Court Clerk’s offices to apply for a new standard credential (driver’s license, permit, personal ID) or Voluntary Travel ID.
  • All driver’s license permits will remain valid for four years.
  • Applicant may only renew their current credential within six months of the expiration date.
  • Kentucky will maintain strict control over its driver’s license and personal ID card programs, and will only share information with law enforcement agencies for the specific purpose of criminal investigation.
  • Applicants can still donate to Trust for Life or register to be an organ and tissue donor when applying for a new credential at a local Circuit Court Clerk’s office.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​Source: Drive.KY.Gov

More From My WJLT 105.3