Kentucky’s new, more secure driver’s licenses will begin rolling out in Franklin County Friday, June 28 as part of the pilot phase of issuance. Residents are urged to gather required documents before visiting the Circuit Court Clerk office to apply.
“We’re excited to extend testing of the new driver’s license production and issuance system to Franklin County,” said Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson. “By including a small number of offices in a pilot phase, we can closely monitor the entire process and make any needed changes before cards roll out statewide. To make the transition as smooth as possible, we urge residents to do their part by arriving prepared at their local Circuit Court Clerk office when they are due to renew.”
As Franklin County prepares to roll out this program next week, the Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk’s office has not yet received a rollout date.
“We do not have a rollout date for Daviess County,” said Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Hardesty Besecker. “I anticipate a rollout schedule after the pilot counties have gone live and kinks are worked out. The public is not happy, which I can understand. KTC (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) has been saying since last year that we were getting it in early 2019.”
Hardesty Besecker said the initial rollout date was scheduled for January, then was delayed until the middle of April, however, the Circuit Clerk’s office still has no answers.
“It is very frustrating because it’s not the Circuit Clerk’s office that is the hold up — it is 100 percent the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet,” said Hardesty Besecker. “However, the public perceives it to be that way since the Circuit Clerks issue the licenses, but they have to understand it’s out of our hands.”
For those who have reached or are near the expiration date and need to renew their license, Hardesty Besecker still recommends patrons renew their driver licenses on time if they are able. She also issued the reminder that licenses can be renewed up to 6 months ahead.
“Once the system is up, running, and working correctly in Daviess County, you can come back to our office for a duplicate VTID (voluntary travel identification) at the cost of $15.00,” Hardesty Besecker said, advising patrons to please go to drive.ky.gov for more information.
Applicants requesting the new Voluntary Travel ID, or those applying for a license, permit or personal ID for the first time, must present documentation verifying identity, social security number, and residency.
“Kentucky’s new licenses will be among the most secure in the nation,” said Commissioner Henderson. “From added security features in the card to a more safeguarded process, citizens can be confident in the changes to the credential they rely on most.”
Current Kentucky licenses, permits and IDs will remain valid until their expiration date. Cardholders should wait to request one of the new card versions until they are within their six-month renewal window.
Cardholders whose renewal window does not allow them to renew before the REAL ID enforcement deadline of Oct. 1, 2020, will be allowed to request a new Voluntary Travel ID credential once it is available in their county of residence.
A phased, county-by-county rollout extending to the remaining counties will begin this summer after the pilot period ends.
A list of required documentation and dates for the pilot counties will be posted on the drive.ky.gov/confidentky website.
