VALID PROOF DOCUMENTS - For Kentucky Driver's Licenses, permits, and identification cards - Bring required documents

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

VALID PROOF DOCUMENTS lists the items applicants must bring to apply for Kentucky driver’s licenses, permits, and identification cards, including proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. It specifies requirements such as using original documents or certified copies with appropriate seals and rejecting photocopies. Separate sections cover name or gender change documentation, REAL ID versus standard card choices, acceptable identity and residency records, and additional cases like out-of-state moves, under 18 applicants, military service, veteran status, and special license updates.

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VALID PROOF DOCUMENTS

Proof of Identity

Proof of Residency

Name or Gender Change

Additional Documents for Special Cases

VALID PROOF DOCUMENTS For Kentucky Driver's Licenses, permits, and identiﬁcation cards |
BRING THESE DOCUMENTS WHEN APPLYING.
1 Proof of Identity
1 Proof of Social Security Number

| | | --- | --- | | | Proof of Residency
*one proof for standard credential
Proof of ANY name change, gender change, or any additional documents, if applicable. | |
BRING
!
NAME OR GENDER CHANGE?
You may need to bring the following documents: | | --- | | If your name, date ofbirth, or gender is diﬀerent from what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes.
Name Change Bring all that apply Certiﬁed Marriage Certiﬁcate
Certiﬁed Divorce Decree
Mustshow that a name change was granted Certiﬁed Legal Name Change Order Death certiﬁcate of spouse
Valid Military ID
Updated Social Security card Gender Change One (1) required Court Order changing gender marker
Le􀀞er from surgeon verifying completion of gender reassignment
Amended Birth Certiﬁcate | Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to take the IDocument quiz for a list of documents you need to bring to geta REAL ID. 11/21/2025 | Proof of Identity
Choose (1) for REAL ID or standard card | | --- | | PROOF OF IDENTITY MUST BE THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT, ORA CERTIFIED COPY, WITH APPROPRIATE SEAL.
NO PHOTOCOPIES ARE ACCEPTED.
Birth certiﬁcate
U.S. Birth Certiﬁcate issued by appropriate government agency of a U.S. state or territory.
U.S. territories include Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota), Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hospital-issued certiﬁcate invalid.
If you wish to obtain a certiﬁed copy of your birth certiﬁcate, contact the Oﬃce of Vital Statistics in your birth state.
For Kentucky-chfs.ky.gov or (800) 241-8322.
U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Passport documents
Valid and unexpired with photograph
(Validity of documents presented are veriﬁed through their respective agency.)
U.S. Passport
U.S. Passport card
Foreign Passport/Visa/I-94/Stamped I-551 Issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Resident/citizenship documents
Valid and unexpired documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Permanent Resident Card Form I-551
Conditional Permanent Resident Card
Certiﬁcate of Naturalization
Form N-550 or Form N-570
Certiﬁcate of Citizenship Form N-560 or Form N-561i | | Additional exceptions
Other information the Cabinet may require by administrative regulation promulgated under KRS Chapter 13A. | BRING 1 | Proof of Residency
Choose (2) for REAL ID card OR choose (1) for standard card | | --- | | A Kentucky post oﬃce box address is not suﬃcient proof of physical address. The Cabinet will require additional proof of physical address if necessary.
Documents dated less than 1 year
Utility bill-Landline, electric, gas, cable, etc.
Telephone bill
Bank statement
State or federal tax return
Pay slip or salary statement
Kentucky voter registration card
U.S. Postal Service postmarked mail Most current documents
Kentucky Driver's license, instruction permit, or personal identiﬁcation card
Property tax bill
Kentucky vehicle registration
IRS forms: W-2 OR 1099 (most recent tax year)
Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statement
Insurance policy
Record from an educational institution in Kentucky which establishes enrollment
Kentucky titles
Kentucky hunting/ﬁshing license | BRING 2 FOR REAL IDS BRING ! Additional Documents if applicable Out of state If you are moving to Kentucky from another state, territory or country, a clearance le􀀞er or operator’s license from the previous state, territory or country of residence is required. Younger than 18 years old FOR REAL ID

FAQs

What documents are required when applying in Kentucky?

Applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. The document list also distinguishes required items for REAL ID versus a standard card.

Are photocopies accepted for proof of identity?

No. Proof of identity must be the original document or a certified copy with the appropriate seal, and photocopies are not accepted.

What if your name, date of birth, or gender differs from your identity or lawful status document?

You must provide legal proof of the change. The document includes options such as certified marriage/divorce records for name change and a court order or surgeon letter for gender change, when applicable.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Riley