Can I still fly with a Kentucky driver’s license?

Kentucky residents worried about being able to fly with only their license from the Bluegrass State can rest easy for now.

For a time, Kentucky was looking at potential difficulties that residents flying domestically might encounter without additional forms of identification, thanks to the REAL ID Act that was passed in 2005.

But the federal government has put off those consequences, granting Kentucky and other states an extension good through at least October — during which time each state is required to take steps toward compliance.

The law, which came out of the 9/11 commission report, sets a uniform standard for government identification. Among the requirements: a digital photograph of the person, security features to prevent tampering or counterfeiting and machine-readable technology.

“At the end of the day, everyone should be who they say they are,” said Justine Whelan, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “No one’s fraudulently creating identification for a good thing.”

So what does that mean for you?

Basically, you’ll probably have a new license in the near future. But between now and October, you’re good to fly.

Here’s what else you need to know about traveling with a Kentucky driver’s license.

Q: What type of ID do I need to show at the airport?

A: For now, you can continue to show your Kentucky driver’s license or identification card for travel within the United States. Other options include a U.S. passport or permanent resident card, among others.

Q: How long will the Kentucky ID option last?

A: The state has been granted an extension through Oct. 10, 2018. That means federal agencies will accept driver’s licenses and identification cards at airports, in addition to federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

Q: What happens if and when the extension runs out?

A: Passengers with IDs from states that aren’t compliant must show an alternative form of identification. Rather than your driver’s license or state-issued identification card, you could use a valid passport, passport card, permanent resident card or U.S. Department of Defense ID. The Transportation Security Administration’s website has a complete list of acceptable IDs.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, every traveler will need a compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for all domestic air travel. No extensions will be granted past that date.

Q: What will the new ID be?

A: The voluntary travel ID will be available at the earliest in January 2019. It will be just like drivers’ licenses or identification cards, but will include a mark to indicate it is federally compliant, according to a spokesman from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

A person won’t need both a license and a voluntary travel ID — the federally compliant ID will also function as a license.

Q: Where would I get one?

A: People should go where they normally go to get a new license or renew one. Those branches will then send your information to a central location, which will have increased security.

The new travel ID, the personal ID card or the standard driver’s license will be mailed to you, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said.

Q: What has Kentucky done to comply?

A: Legislative leaders in many states were nervous about the law, fearing it would lead to a national database of driver information or give the federal government access to personal information.

In 2009, the Kentucky House voted 100-0 on a resolution instructing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to not comply with the federal law.

Since then, things have changed. A bill passed in the 2017 legislative session to make the state compliant. That came after a similar bill was vetoed by Gov. Matt Bevin in 2016.

The state will request another final extension from the Department of Homeland Security later this year to allow Kentuckians to use their driver’s license and personal identification cards through October 2019.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet “fully anticipates” that request will be granted, according to a statement from the agency.

Darcy Costello: 502-582-4834; [email protected]; Twitter: @dctello. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/darcyc.