Real ID pilot program paused after technical issues

July 19, 2019 | 3:19 am

Updated July 18, 2019 | 11:02 pm

Although the Real ID license was finally implemented in pilot counties across the state after multiple delays, equipment and software issues have caused the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to pause the rollout.

According to reports across the state, the issues have caused wait times to nearly double.
Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Hardesty-Besecker said more time required in the driver’s license office affects more than just that department.

“Our main function is to take care of the court system and with these delays and issues that is going to affect that ability,” she said.

Daviess County was not a pilot county for the Real ID rollout and Hardesty-Besecker said there is not an expected launch date at this time.

Hardesty-Besecker said the multiple delays of the Real ID rollout has caused confusion and upset citizens.

“People come in daily and they assume we already have them,” she said. “Some are shocked to hear we don’t have them. Some are extremely angry that we don’t. Some are OK with it and just go ahead and renew and tell us they will come back when we get them.”

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.

According Hardesty-Besecker, her office will no longer be the official issuer of driver’s licenses once the Real ID rollout makes it to Daviess County. KYTC will take over that role, with the circuit court clerk’s office scanning the documentation required for the travel license. Applicants will then receive a temporary license good for 30 days, until their license arrives in the mail from KYTC in 5-10 business days.

July 19, 2019 | 3:19 am

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