From now until May 7, 2025, you may use a Kentucky driver's permit, driver's license, or state ID to fly domestically within the US. After May 7, 2025, international students will need to travel with their passport as you will be granted a standard rather than a REAL ID version of a Kentucky driver's permit, driver's license, or state ID.
Driver's Permit & License
All non-U.S. citizens may drive in the U.S. on their valid foreign license AND international driving permit (IDP) for up to one year from the date of admission into the U.S. provided their home country is part of the Foreign License Reciprocity. To get an IDP, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's license, and beware of scams that try to sell unofficial/fake IDP's.
Drivers should obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency in Kentucky (KY). For driving purposes, KY law defines "residency" as a person who has established Kentucky as their state of domicile within the last 30 days. Student will most commonly use a bank statement, a piece of mail that has been postmarked (meaning stamped and dated) by USPS, and/or a letter/transcript from Centre which establishes enrollment and thus residence.
For those that have a driver's license from another US state that is valid or has been expired for less than one year, you may be exempt from the written, vision, and road tests. All other non-permanent residents should complete all testing, and will generally need to start with a permit prior to obtaining a license.
Please refer to the appropriate How-to Instructions on the Forms page, and contact ISS for more assistance obtaining a Driver's Permit and/or License.
Kentucky (KY) State ID
Some students are uncomfortable with always carrying their passport around as their form of ID. If you would like an ID card for non-drivers, then a KY State ID card may be appropriate.
Please refer to the appropriate How-to Instructions on the Forms page, and contact ISS for more assistance obtaining a KY State ID card.
For more information, please contact ISS and/or refer to the following source(s):
How-to Instructions on the Forms page
https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
http://kentuckystatepolice.org/driver-testing/