Regional licensing offices see long wait times ahead of real ID enforcement date

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - With new driver’s license requirements and real ID enforcement date here in Kentucky, regional licensing offices across the Commonwealth have been extra busy lately.

This has resulted in people having issues making appointments or long wait times at the offices.

“I know that there have been more than a few complaints out there, longer lines and general difficulty,” said Governor Andy Beshear.

At one of the Lexington regional offices, Patricia Strawn had been waiting more than four hours to get her license renewed.

Her license expired, so she said she couldn’t wait for an appointment.

“We’re Americans, we’re used to getting what we want pretty quickly. I knew I was going to have to wait, its my fault I was late, so pay in equal, pay your chances,” Strawn said.

Tanya Johnson said this is her second time attempting to get her real ID.

“I mean, if you read the instructions online before you get here, its really not hard. I just didn’t have my social security number with me last time, so I had to come back with that,” Johnson said.

Governor Beshear said something that’s contributing to long waits across the Commonwealth is the vision exam requirement.

“What’s changed is tens of thousands, if not one hundred plus thousand folks that used to renew online are now coming into the offices, so think about that,” he said.

Beshear said the best way to avoid waiting is by getting your eye exam done at your eye doctor’s office, but if you must get an exam at the drivers license office:

“Visit any regional office, get a free vision screening, fill out the renewal form that is there on site, but then you can leave it there and we will send you a temporary license emailed to you that day,” he said.

“It could be better. It wasn’t bad, but it could be better,” said Kevin Bell, who was getting his license renewed.

Governor Beshear said his team is working to make this process more efficient for everyone.

To see the full list of license renewal and real ID requirements, click here.