Krissie Coe Fields, Barren Circuit Court Clerk, examines a document during a meeting of the Barren County Project Development Board of the Barren County Judicial Center. Fields’ office has issued driver licenses for several years but no longer does since the state phased out issuance to regional offices.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW — Though the Barren Circuit Court Clerk’s office stopped issuing driver’s licenses nearly five months ago, some people continue to be confused and grieved by the change.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, which sought to make licensing and identification more secure following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Many states tightened their licensing procedures and aligned them with the federal legislation thereafter, but some states were slower than others, including Kentucky.
“Kentucky was one of the state’s that lagged behind in this implementation due to many factors,” said Barren Circuit Clerk Krissie Fields.
The Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts had partnered with the state’s transportation agency to issue driver’s licenses for many years, which led to some deferrals in the transition in Kentucky. The issuance of driver’s license is not a judicial responsibility though. It’s actually a function of the executive branch, in which the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet resides.
“The traditional issuance system of licenses and permits initiated at the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is being phased out,” according to a news release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Misconceptions about the licensing has led to confusion among many, including local politicians.
Joe Trigg, a councilperson for the city of Glasgow, expressed concern with the lack of services in Barren County since the transition happened last fall. He said a handful of falsities about voting blockades due to the licensing changes in a Feb. 14 meeting of the Glasgow City Council but retracted those statements and apologized Feb. 28. The REAL ID is not the only form of acceptable identification when voting. Click here to view acceptable ID for voting in Kentucky.
The councilperson’s comments are not unique to him. Several people continue to be unsure of what the REAL ID entails, its difference from standard licenses and IDs and why Kentuckians can no longer obtain one at their county circuit clerk’s office.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is like any other ID except it’s more secure. It is an ID that meets security standards outlined by the federal government.
The name, as it implies, is to verify a person’s real identity. It does not mean other forms of driver’s licenses or IDs are fake, however. Residents of Kentucky counties may still apply renew or apply for standard card versions of driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, commercial driver’s licenses or ID cards.
Beginning May 3, 2023, all people 18 and older will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights, access military bases and federal buildings that require IDs. The date for federal enforcement has been delayed twice due to various factors. Next spring is the latest deadline. Those who do not have a REAL ID but wish to board flights, access military bases and federal buildings must present another form of ID, including a passport, permanent resident card or Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler program card.
REAL IDs are often marked with a gold or black star. Kentucky’s are black.
If a person does not foresee the need for a REAL ID based on what it’s used for, then they may apply for or renew their state-issued standard license or ID card.
What’s the difference?
State issued driver’s licenses and ID cards vary across all 50 states. One state’s issuance procedures may be less secure than another’s, which creates an inequality among those visiting uniform institutions like airports, federal buildings and military bases.
Kentucky will continue to issue standard cards, which are those issued over the last several years. The state also issues REAL IDs, too.
A REAL ID is like any other ID except it’s more secure. It is an ID that meets security standards outlined by the federal government. It will soon be needed for flying, accessing military bases and other federal spaces.
Why can’t I go to the circuit clerk’s office any longer?
Courthouses across Kentucky are no longer the location of driver’s license issuances. The function is being phased out from a judicial responsibility to one of the executive branch. These decisions are not local, however.
“Clerks did not have any authority or ability to troubleshoot the issues that come along with driver’s licenses,” Fields said. “We had to rely on the Department of Transportation to push the buttons. We were just the face in front of it.”
The Constitution outlays all powers not described to the federal government are reserved to states, and licensing is one of those powers. That’s why the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, a function of the state’s executive branch, will take over the process.
Many states have “DMVs” or Department of Motor Vehicles. Those agencies are like the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. They issue driver’s licenses and ID cards.
Kentucky plans to transition all licensing and ID issuance to KYTC offices by June 30, 2022.
Where do I get a license now? Do I have to go in person?
First time applicants for a REAL ID must do so in person at any KYTC office. The closest locations to Glasgow are in Bowling Green and Columbia. View a map here with all locations.
Certain identification must be brought to your licensing appointment. Click here to view those documents.
Licenses and ID cards may be renewed online, too. Click here.
Applicants no longer receive a card when they leave a KYTC licensing facility. A document is given to applicants for use until the actual card is received in the mail.
“This reduces the wait time for printing credentials during visits and improves security by eliminating in-office card production machinery,” according to a news release from the KYTC.
What’s the future for licensing in Barren County?
Little is known about whether a regional facility will ever be placed in Barren County. There are 21 regional facilities currently, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to add more, according to a recent news release.
Periodic popup facilities will occur in areas where a regional facility does not exist. Barren County had a popup location March 9 at Lera B. Mitchell Clubhouse.
Local officials held a meeting with Jim Gray, the state’s Secretary of Transportation, and details were apparently discussed regarding a potential facility placement in Barren County. That meeting was not public.
An official in that meeting said it will not happen soon. The state plans to examine how a facility might benefit the area but when that happens remains unclear.
