Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Kentucky State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

REAL ID Act

Requirements to access Fort Knox under normal conditions

5 day Fast Pass

Visitor Center

https://home.army.mil/knox/index.php/about/Garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security-division/access-control

Access Control https://home.army.mil/knox/index.php/about/Garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security-division/access-control-1

REAL ID Act

Instructions and Authorized Credentials

NOTE: Those without a valid driver’s license may not access post as a driver.

• For information on Kentucky issuance of REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs (non-driver’s licenses), CLICK HERE.
• For information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on REAL ID and status of state compliance across the United States, CLICK HERE.
• For information on Fort Knox installation access requirements beginning October 2020, CLICK HERE.
• Requirements to access Fort Knox under normal conditions All non-U.S. citizens: Requires advance arrangements with the Directorate of Emergency Services, an escort by a DOD service member or employee and signed corresponding sponsorship documentation vetted at the Visitor Center.  All foreign national visitors must have a valid passport.  Call 502-624-7011 for additional information. NOTE: No alternative means may be used to obtain a visitor pass.
• Children ages 17 and younger (not wishing to drive onto post; EX: passenger): No identification required; however, those who appear older may be asked for identification.
• Children ages 16-17 (wishing to drive onto post): See below “Instructions and Authorized Credentials” section for identification requirements.
• Adults 18 and older: See below “Instructions and Authorized Credentials” section for identification requirements.
• Individuals with a valid DOD ID card (e.g., Common Access Card, military ID) or visitor pass:
  • No additional requirements except to carry one’s own valid state-issued driver’s license if driving onto post. Proceed directly to one of the three primary entrance gates. If a single vehicle occupant, scan DOD ID card or visitor pass at the gate lane's pedestal. If more than one vehicle occupant, proceed directly to gate guard with all occupants presenting all required visitor passes/other valid IDs for installation access. The gate hours of operation are listed below.
• Individuals with a valid state-issued driver’s license:
  • Go to the Fort Knox Visitor Center and either use a kiosk or visit a manned window to obtain up to a 1-year visitor pass. With a visitor pass in hand, proceed directly to one of the three primary entrance gates. If a single vehicle occupant, scan visitor pass at the gate lane's pedestal. If more than one vehicle occupant, proceed directly to gate guard with all occupants presenting all required visitor passes/other valid IDs for installation access.  The gate hours of operation are listed below.
  • Alternatively, one may visit https://visit.gvt.us/?b=usa&i=knox&t=v to obtain a 5-day Fast Pass (Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari browser recommended).
    • Pass can only be requested a maximum of 30 days in advance of one’s visit date.
    • Registrant’s driver’s license serves as the pass. With driver’s license in hand, proceed directly to one of the three primary entrance gates. Be prepared to provide driver's license/ID to gate guard, with all other occupants presenting all required visitor passes/other valid IDs for installation access.
  • Gate hours of operation are listed below.
• Individuals with a valid state-issued ID card (non-driver’s license):
  • Go to the Fort Knox Visitor Center and either use a kiosk or visit a manned window to obtain up to a 1-year visitor pass. With a visitor pass in hand, proceed directly to one of the three primary entrance gates.
  • Alternatively, one may visit https://visit.gvt.us/?b=usa&i=knox&t=v to obtain a 5-day Fast Pass (Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari browser recommended).
    • Pass can only be requested a maximum of 30 days in advance of one’s visit date.
    • A person’s state-issued ID card serves as the pass. With state-issued ID in hand, proceed directly to one of the three primary entrance gates. Be prepared to provide driver's license/ID to gate guard, with all other occupants presenting all required visitor passes/other valid IDs for installation access.
  • Gate hours of operation are listed below.

• Individuals with a Veterans Health ID card:
  • Go to the Fort Knox Visitor to register the Veterans Health ID.
    • Visit a manned window and present both the Veterans Health ID and valid state-issued driver’s license/ID.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 40" in height be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Visit the Team Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for more information:    https://transportation.ky.gov/Pages/Home.aspx