The documents Kentucky needs from you for Real ID

Kentucky's Real ID process requires you to bring five categories of documents to a driver's license office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Kentucky residency, proof of lawful status in the United States, and a completed process form. You cannot mail these in — you must appear in person. The state accepts a range of documents in each category, so you likely have options depending on what you already have at home.

Real ID is a federal standard that makes your Kentucky driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not obtain it, your current driver's license will still work for driving, but the TSA will not accept it as ID at airport security after May 7, 2025. Many people get Real ID when they renew their license anyway, so you may already be partway through the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, one proving you live in Kentucky, one proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, and a completed process form.
  • A passport or passport card counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so bringing one cuts your document load in half.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of residency — you do not need a specific government form.
  • You must appear in person at a Kentucky driver's license office; no documents can be mailed or submitted online.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, except for utility bills and similar residency documents.

Proof of identity: what the state will accept

Kentucky accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license as proof of identity. If you have a passport or passport card, bring that — it also proves citizenship, so you will not need a separate citizenship document. A military ID works the same way if you are active duty, retired, or a veteran.

If you do not have any of those, an out-of-state driver's license from any U.S. state or territory will work. The license must be valid or expired no more than five years ago. Bring the original card, not a photocopy.

Proof of Social Security number

You need an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number. The Social Security card is the simplest option if you have it. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your Real ID appointment, though this takes time.

A recent tax return or W-2 from your current or most recent employer also works. The document must show your full nine-digit number. Bring the original or a certified copy from the IRS or your employer — a photocopy you made yourself is not acceptable.

Proof of Kentucky residency

Kentucky accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or bank statements showing your current Kentucky address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Photocopies are acceptable for residency documents, unlike identity or citizenship documents.

If you have recently moved to Kentucky or do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement or mortgage statement works just as well. A bank statement with your address printed on it also counts. You need only one residency document, so bring whichever one you can locate most easily.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate proves this. A military ID also works if you are or were on active duty. If you already brought a passport as your identity document, you do not need to bring anything else for this category.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you have a different immigration status, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or other federal immigration document showing your lawful status. Bring the original card or document, not a photocopy.

The process form and what to bring it on

You must complete form DL 44 before you arrive at the driver's license office, or you can complete it there. The form is available on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website. Print it and fill it out by hand, or fill it out online and print the completed version. Bring the original signed form with you.

You will also need to bring a pen to sign documents at the office if you did not sign the form at home. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized and do not get bent or damaged in transit.

What to do if you do not have a document in a category

If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot get one before your appointment, a W-2 or tax return will work instead. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement or property tax bill serves the same purpose. The state builds in alternatives because people's situations vary.

If you lack a document in a category and none of the alternatives work for you, call your local Kentucky driver's license office before you go. The staff can tell you whether your specific situation has another option, or whether you need to obtain a document first. Do not assume you cannot proceed — ask first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my passport or birth certificate?

No. Bring the original passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. Photocopies are only acceptable for residency documents like utility bills and bank statements. A certified copy from the vital records office is acceptable if you cannot locate the original birth certificate.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. A tax return or W-2 showing your full Social Security number works instead. You need one document from that category, not all of them. Bring whichever one you have readily available.

What if my utility bill or lease is older than 60 days?

Bring a different residency document dated within the last 60 days — a bank statement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. If none of your documents are recent, contact your utility company or bank and request a current statement before your appointment.

Can I mail my documents to the driver's license office instead of going in person?

No. Real ID requires an in-person visit to a Kentucky driver's license office. You must bring your original documents and appear to have your photo taken and signature recorded. There is no mail-in or online option.

Do I need all five categories of documents if I have a passport?

No. A passport covers identity and citizenship, so you still need proof of Social Security number, proof of Kentucky residency, and the completed process form. That is three categories instead of five.