State lawmakers in Kentucky are pushing for a delay in the implementation of the Real ID deadline, citing long lines and wait times at licensing offices. Many residents have faced hours-long waits to obtain their new Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses, prompting concerns about their ability to meet the federal deadline of October 1, 2021.
Lawmakers argue that the current system is not equipped to handle the influx of applicants seeking the new identification cards, and that a delay is necessary to alleviate the strain on the licensing offices and ensure that all residents have enough time to obtain their Real IDs before the deadline.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to national security concerns, and requires states to issue more secure driver’s licenses and identification cards. Kentucky began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses in 2019, but the process has been plagued by long wait times and technical issues.
If the deadline is not extended, many Kentuckians could face challenges accessing airports, federal buildings, and other secure facilities without a Real ID-compliant form of identification. Lawmakers are urging the federal government to consider their concerns and provide more time for residents to obtain their new IDs.
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