The deadline for federal REAL ID enforcement is fast approaching, and residents who plan to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities have just one week left to ensure they have the proper identification.
Beginning next Wednesday, May 7, travelers ages 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to board commercial aircraft flying within the United States. The identification will also be required to enter secure federal facilities and military bases that require ID at the door, officials said.
Getting a REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents, but state officials are urging those who may need one for upcoming travel or access to act now.
“If you’re someone who waits to do something, it’s officially the last minute,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll this week.
Since REAL ID became available in Pennsylvania in 2019, more than 2.8 million residents have obtained one.
Despite years of advanced notice, many Pennsylvanians still need to acquire the compliant identification if they intend to travel by air domestically.
To help accommodate last-minute applications, PennDOT is hosting special REAL ID Days this coming Monday, May 5, at driver license centers across the state, including locations that are typically closed on Mondays.
In Bucks County, the Dublin Driver License Center at 161 North Main Street in Dublin Borough and the Bensalem Driver License Center at 4201 Neshaminy Boulevard in Bensalem Township will be open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
PennDOT saw significant demand during a similar event this past Monday, with more than 10,000 customers served at 57 open sites, PennDOT officials said.
“With summer travel on the horizon, we want to remind Pennsylvanians that starting May 7 they will need a REAL ID or a passport to fly domestically,” Carroll said. “If you’ve already booked a flight, now is the time to double check and make sure you are ready to go so your plans aren’t interrupted.”
For those unsure if a REAL ID is necessary for their needs, PennDOT offers an online REAL ID wizard at pa.gov/REALID that can help guide their decision.
Federal and state officials have noted that a passport will still be required for international travel.
Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below listed documents:
- Proof of Identity: examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number): examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub.
- Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.
- Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court.
- Note: If current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.
More details about REAL ID document requirements can be found at pa.gov/REALID.
The initial cost for a REAL ID in Pennsylvania is a one-time fee of $30, plus the standard renewal fee for a driver’s license or photo ID.
The expiration date of the first REAL ID will incorporate any remaining time on the customer’s existing non-REAL ID, plus an additional four years (unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license). Subsequent renewals will only incur the regular renewal fee.
Pennsylvanians can apply for a REAL ID at a driver license center, where they will receive it by mail within 15 days, or at a designated REAL ID Center, where they will receive it over the counter. A list of locations is available on the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Customers who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card after September 1, 2003, may be able to pre-verify their documentation online and order their REAL ID through PennDOT’s website.
Gerardo Spero, the Transportation Safety Administration’s security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, stated that while efforts have been made to minimize disruptions, passengers without acceptable identification may face significant wait times at airports or could be denied access to the security checkpoint.
“Per longstanding TSA policy, passengers traveling without an acceptable form of ID may face significant wait times at airports or could be denied access through the airport checkpoint,” Spero said.
Carroll said the federal government, PennDOT, and Pennsylvania airports have worked collaboratively to inform the public about the upcoming deadline and the importance of obtaining a REAL ID.
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