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How to Get ID & Documents in Kentucky

Kentucky issues state identification cards through the Division of Driver Licensing, which is part of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. With a state ID costing just $12, Kentucky offers one of the more affordable identification options in the nation.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Kentucky, visit a Circuit Court Clerk's office with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and proof of Kentucky residency. A standard state ID costs $12, and a temporary document is provided while the permanent card is mailed within 7-10 business days.

Kentucky ID Agency

Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing (DDL)

Website: drive.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Phone: (502) 564-1257

State ID Card

Cost: $12

REAL ID: $12 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: Temporary document issued same day; permanent card mailed within 7-10 business days

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • One primary identity document (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization)
  • Social Security card or W-2 showing full SSN
  • One proof of Kentucky residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease, government mail)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Kentucky processes state ID applications through Circuit Court Clerk offices in each county, not through a centralized DMV. Each county has a Circuit Court Clerk office that handles licensing services. The low $12 cost makes Kentucky's ID one of the most affordable in the country.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Vital Statistics

Cost: $10 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day at Frankfort office. Mail: 4-6 weeks. Online through VitalChek: 5-10 business days

Order online: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/default.aspx

Kentucky birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Office of Vital Statistics in Frankfort, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Kentucky has one of the lowest birth certificate fees at $10. Only eligible applicants (the person named, parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives) may request copies.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Kentucky Department of Corrections (KDOC) operates reentry programs that assist individuals with obtaining identification before release. The department works with Circuit Court Clerk offices to help returning citizens obtain state IDs. KDOC also partners with community organizations for post-release ID assistance.

Homeless Provisions

Kentucky does not have a formal statewide homeless ID fee waiver program. However, at $12 for a state ID and $10 for a birth certificate, costs are among the lowest in the nation. Local homeless service organizations and community action agencies sometimes assist with covering these fees.

Fee Waivers

Kentucky does not offer general fee waivers for state IDs. The low $12 cost helps make IDs accessible. Some community organizations and reentry programs provide financial assistance for ID fees.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Kentucky: $10 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DDL. Cost: $12.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DDL, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DDL office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DDL as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DDL offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Kentucky-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DDL to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DDL offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Kentucky, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Kentucky but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the KentuckyState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Kentucky and register to vote. See our Kentucky voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Kentucky Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a Kentucky state ID?
State ID applications are processed at your county's Circuit Court Clerk office. Each of Kentucky's 120 counties has a Circuit Court Clerk that handles licensing services. Find your county clerk's office on the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
Can I renew my Kentucky state ID online?
Yes, Kentucky offers online renewal for eligible ID holders through the drive.ky.gov website. You must have a current valid ID that is within the renewal window and no changes to your personal information.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Kentucky?
Contact the Office of Vital Statistics in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. You can order in person at the Frankfort office ($10, same day), by mail ($10), or online through VitalChek. You will need valid identification to request a copy.
How much does it cost to get ID in Kentucky?
A Kentucky state ID costs $12 and a birth certificate costs $10, making Kentucky one of the most affordable states for obtaining identification. The total cost for both documents is just $22.
Does KDOC help inmates get ID before release?
Yes, the Kentucky Department of Corrections has reentry programs that help inmates obtain identification documents before release. Case managers assist with gathering necessary documents and coordinating with Circuit Court Clerk offices for state ID applications.
Is a Kentucky state ID REAL ID compliant?
Yes, Kentucky issues REAL ID compliant identification cards at no additional cost beyond the standard $12 fee. To receive a REAL ID, you must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Kentucky residency. REAL ID cards display a gold star.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DDL, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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