Do I need a Pennsylvania Real ID? When’s the new deadline? Here’s what you need to know

Though it’s been delayed more than once, the deadline for air travelers and others to access some federal buildings and facilities using REAL IDs is just around the corner.

Beginning Wednesday, May 7, those boarding domestic flights or trying to enter some government facilities, like military bases, will need a state issued-license or identification card bearing the REAL ID star or another federal ID, like a U.S. passport.

This month, the Transportation Security Administration indicated it would use a phased approach to enforce REAL ID, citing low uptake. Nationwide, less than 60% of driver’s licenses and state IDs were REAL ID-compliant as of 2024, The Hill reports. That phased rollout allows some discretion in the TSA’s enforcement beginning May 7, meaning some travelers without it may not immediately be turned away. The agency did not extend the deadline, however.

In Pennsylvania, the commonwealth is seeing a slow increase in interest, a spokesperson with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation told the Centre Daily Times this month, but expects it to tick up a bit this spring.

“REAL ID issuance has been slowly rising as the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches and PennDOT anticipates the number to grow as we draw closer to the May 7th date,” press officer Aimee Inama wrote in a Jan. 16 email to the CDT.

According to PennDOT data, 7.8 million Pennsylvania residents have either a license or ID that is not REAL ID-complaint, while just 2.4 million residents have updated. In Centre County, uptake is slightly better, with 35,387 residents holding a REAL ID, while 62,245 have a regular license or ID.

Not all Pennsylvanians need the star-embossed REAL ID, and they do cost more to obtain than a standard license or photo ID. A REAL ID, U.S. passport or other federal ID will be required for boarding domestic flights, entering military bases or accessing federal facilities, but you do not need a REAL ID to drive or vote, for example.

How do I get a REAL ID in Pennsylvania? What does it cost? What do I need to bring?

Pennsylvanians can obtain a REAL ID by visiting one of PennDOT’s REAL ID centers. Be sure to bring the proper documentation with you.

This is what those seeking a REAL ID are required to provide:

• Proof of identity, such as an original or certified copy birth certificate, an unexpired passport or passport card
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as your SS card, a W-2, pay stub or other tax document that includes your full name and number.
• Two forms of proof of current address, such as an unexpired license, automobile insurance card, bill or other document with your name and address.
• Proof of any legal name changes

Legally present noncitizen residents may be required to bring additional documentation, according to PennDOT.

If you have completed the commonwealth’s pre-verification process, you can apply for your REAL ID online.

PennDOT charges a $30, one-time fee for a REAL ID. That charge is on top of the cost to renew or get issued a driver’s license or photo ID for Pennsylvania, which costs $39.50 (four-year, noncommercial) or $42.50, respectively.

This story was originally published January 23, 2025 at 12:01 PM.