Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues to modernize issuance system
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2016) – Kentucky’s request for a one-year extension to come into compliance with federal regulations known as REAL ID was denied today by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The denial of the extension comes in spite of recent documented progress the state has made to further enhance the security of its driver’s license and ID card issuance system. Despite the denial, Kentucky will continue efforts to modernize its system of issuance for these credentials.
“It’s disappointing that the federal government is basically turning a blind eye to recent progress we’ve made in improving our systems,” said John-Mark Hack, commissioner of the Department of Vehicle Regulation. “All Kentuckians should be aware that the immediate impact of this decision will not be felt by the vast majority of Kentuckians. We can still use our driver licenses and state ID cards to visit the Social Security offices, Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, federal courts houses and to apply for federal benefits like Medicare.”
On Aug. 31, 2016, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) requested a one-year extension to continue progress toward REAL ID compliance. A revised extension request was submitted on Sept. 29, 2016 outlining the state’s progress on previously unmet provisions and regulations.
The delay in reaching compliance is a culmination of starts and stops at the federal and state level. The act was passed by Congress in 2005 by the 9/11 Commission but regulations were not published until January 2008. The former administration had eight years to reach compliance. In 2009, the House voted 100-0 to halt the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet from pursuing REAL ID compliance. Gov. Matt Bevin vetoed Senate Bill 245 to allow time to investigate the implications of REAL ID after hearing public opposition.
Kentucky is compliant with most of the provisions necessary to be deemed REAL ID compliant. The main area of non-compliance is related to the state’s current system of issuance. Kentucky has a highly decentralized model that allows residents to obtain a driver’s license or ID card over the counter at one of 144 Circuit Court Clerk Office locations. This created challenges in meeting REAL ID provisions that require every issuance facility to meet costly security standards.
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk Jodie Parsley:
“…My main concern is for the citizens of Lawrence County and the affect this will have on them. This press release states that Kentuckians will be able to board domestic flights until January 22, 2018 with their current Driver’s license or identification card. In my opinion, this will be the biggest concern to most. However, as of January 10, 2017, we will still have the possibility that some federal facilities will not accept Kentucky driver’s licenses and identification cards to gain entry. I will be going to the Transportation Cabinet later this month for a meeting on this same issue and hope to be given some concrete answers for the immediate future.”
–Jodi Parsley
