LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky lawmaker wants to cut down the wait time when getting a driver's license.
Local DMV offices have seen long lines since at least late December. Some people reported waiting in line for as long as four hours just to get into the Bowman Field Driver Licensing Regional Office in Louisville, only to wait two more hours once inside.
The rush comes ahead of the May deadline for Kentuckians to get their REAL ID. In December, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet was attributing delays to a statewide network outage.
Rep. Kevin Jackson, of Bowling Green, has since filed a bill that would allow third-party entities to issue driver's license renewals.
If passed, places like AAA offices, insurance offices, or other government agencies would be able to apply and get approval from KYTC to do license renewals.
Jackson said the bill would cut down on wait times at the state's 34 driver's licensing offices. Twenty-eight other states already have similar rules in place.
Starting May 7, 2025 every resident age 18 or older will need a REAL ID to travel by plane within the U.S.
The requirement is part of the federal REAL ID Act, aimed at establishing minimum security standards for state-issued identification documents.
KYTC encourages Kentuckians still needing to make the transition to REAL ID to schedule an appointment online.
There are also many things you don't need to go to an office for in the first place. To find out if the service you need can be done online or via mail, click here.
While the long lines may be unavoidable for some, there are ways to reduce the hassle:
- Schedule an Appointment: Check availability at any KYTC location statewide.
- Bring All Required Documents: Avoid being turned away by ensuring you have everything needed for your visit.
- Sign Up for Text Notifications: If you’re waiting in person, ask the person working the door to receive text alerts so you can wait in your car instead of the lobby.
- Consider Online Services: Many DMV services, including license renewals without an address change, are available on KYTC's website.
- Visit During Saturday Walk-In Hours: Monthly Saturday hours are an option for many if weekdays aren’t feasible.
- Arrive Early: While it doesn’t guarantee a shorter wait, arriving early may help you secure a spot.
Kentuckians can renew their license up to six months before it expires. Anyone ineligible for renewal can upgrade to a REAL ID for $15 and keep your same expiration date. REAL ID licenses are available for $24 for a four-year ID, and $48 for an eight-year ID.
To make an appointment at one of the state's regional licensing offices, click here. Walk-in customers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
All Kentucky regional Driver Licensing Offices are equipped to issue REAL ID versions of licenses or identification. Kentucky residents who already have a REAL ID can renew online or by mail, but first time applicants have to apply in-person with required documents. A list of acceptable documents is available at RealIDKy.com.
Circuit court clerks historically provided driver’s licenses and state identification card services in each county, but a majority of clerks asked KYTC to take over issuing REAL IDs.
To learn more about the transition to REAL ID in Kentucky, click here.
Related Stories:
- DMV delays: What you need to know before you go as REAL ID deadline approaches
- Kentuckians have 6 months left to get 'REAL ID Ready'
- Louisville Metro Council members ask for state assistance amid long waits at West end's licensing office
- New driver licensing office opening in Valley Station next week
- Kentucky opening new, larger driver licensing office in south Louisville
- Federal enforcement of REAL ID delayed 2 years to 2025
- Kentucky expands services for driver licensing tests to statewide access
- Kentucky transportation officials to fully assume issuing driver's licenses later this month
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