Transportation Cabinet delays REAL ID rollout

April 18, 2019 | 3:17 am

Updated April 17, 2019 | 9:38 pm

REAL ID was scheduled to be released in Daviess County at the end of March and Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Hardesty-Besecker said she is frustrated with the delay.

The Kentucky Transportation (KYTC) has delayed the rollout of REAL ID, the state’s new driver’s license system. REAL ID was scheduled to be released in Daviess County at the end of March. Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Hardesty-Besecker said she is frustrated with the delay.

“We have been preparing and anxiously awaiting the new licenses since KYTC announced the rollout dates,” Hardesty-Besecker said. Unfortunately, the Drivers License Office of the Circuit Clerks Office is at the mercy of KYTC.”

In a KYTC press release sent Monday, officials said a pilot of the new system will begin this spring in Circuit Court Clerk Office locations in Woodford and Franklin counties. New licenses will be made available gradually in the remainder of Kentucky counties and become available statewide by the end of the summer.

In the release, KYTC Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Matt Henderson addressed the delay.

“The internal testing phase did exactly what it was designed to do – verify what works and reveal gaps that need to be addressed before introducing the system to Circuit Court Clerk offices,” Henderson said. “We’re pleased with the positive results that have confirmed that the majority of the new system is operational. While we targeted April to begin the in-office pilot testing, additional time is necessary to re-test system patches that are released when flaws are identified. Our unwavering commitment is to deliver a fully functional program to counties, and that requires flexibility. Everyone is engaged to make the new cards available as soon as possible.”

According to the release, “the functionality of the new program to issue basic card versions of the new standard and Voluntary Travel ID driver’s licenses is operational. The card vendor is working to resolve challenges related to complex license endorsements and features, such as combination licenses.”

KYTC assures travelers that current licenses are are accepted at airport security checkpoint and for military base entry thanks to Kentucky’s federal extension. Officials also said they will meet the federally mandated October 2020 REAL ID enforcement deadline.

First-time cardholders and those desiring a Voluntary Travel ID are encouraged to prepare for the new application process by gathering, updating and requesting required documentation now. More information can be found at drive.ky.gov/confidentky.

Hardesty-Besecker said her office will continue to update social media pages with any new information they receive.

“I strongly encourage Daviess Countians to also visit drive.ky.gov,” Hardesty-Besecker said.

April 18, 2019 | 3:17 am

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