Deadline gets REAL
With the federal enforcement deadline just a few months away, the state Department of Transportation is holding a series of events across the state to help residents obtain REAL IDs.
Starting May 7, residents 18 and older must show a REAL ID, a passport or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights and certain federal buildings.
PennDOT is helping to expand access for those in need of a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card before the deadline by holding a series of REAL ID Days events across the state, including from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3 at the Bridgeville License Center, 1025 Washington Pike.
During the events, centers will exclusively process REAL IDs on Mondays, when the centers are typically closed.
Pennsylvania residents who want to board an airplane for a domestic flight will need a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. If their driver’s license is not ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board their flight or enter secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
The REAL ID driver’s license cards have a small star in the upper right corner to indicate they meet federal regulations security standards.
“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Because we’re seeing an increase in demand, we decided to offer our REAL ID Days as a way to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public and providing them with the best possible customer service.”
Bring the following documents:
– Proof of identity: Examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised or embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
– Proof of Social Security number.
– Two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address, such as current driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.
– Proof of identity document, such as certified married certificates or court orders approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree. Note: if your current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (a passport or birth certificate), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.
The REAL ID law, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, aims to strengthen national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
REAL ID was originally supposed to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed multiple times for several reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, more than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to opt into the REAL ID program.
Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking station at airports will not allow travelers into the checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 7.
For more information about REAL ID’s and a complete list of REAL ID Days events, visit PennDOT’s REAL ID website. Drivers can still obtain REAL IDs during normal business hours.