Federal government extends REAL ID deadline. Here’s how to get one in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents have two more years to get their Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued identification card before the federal law goes into effect.
The change comes after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Monday it was extending the deadline from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
Real ID’s are not mandatory, but after the enforcement date they will be required to fly domestically and enter a military base and some federal facilities. Otherwise, you’ll have to bring along your passport, passport card or another Real ID-compliant identification.
Here’s what to know about the change and how you can get your Real ID in Pennsylvania.
What is Real ID?
First passed by Congress in 2005, the Real ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
Its enforcement has been slow-going, however; the new 2025 deadline will mark almost 20 years to the day that it was passed by Congress and signed into law by then-President George W. Bush.
Once enforcement takes effect, every air traveler 18 years old and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or a federally-compliant form of identification, to pass through airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel, enter military bases and enter federal buildings that require identification.
In December 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced it had issued 1 million Real IDs. That same year, the Keystone State had 9,879,207 licensed drivers.
How to get a REAL ID in Pennsylvania
Prepare to gather a number of documents first, all of which will need to be originals or certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Here’s what you’ll need to show:
Proof of identity. This could be your original or a certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid and active U.S. Passport or passport card.
Proof of social security. Your social security card with your current name, which demonstrates your citizenship or legal status to work in the U.S.
Two forms of proof of your current, physical Pennsylvania address. A utility bill, an automobile insurance card or your standard-issue driver’s license or ID are acceptable documents to verify your residence in Pennsylvania.
Proof of all legal name changes. This won’t apply to everyone, but those who have undergone a name change. If you’re married or divorced, bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
If you’re a non-U.S. citizen authorized to work in the U.S., you can show the following documents to obtain a REAL ID:
Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Forms I-766 or Form 1-688B
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card I-551 Permanent Resident Card (green card) issued by DHS or the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed, and an I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent residence
Some non-citizens might be asked to present additional documents.
You can find a print-friendly checklist of the documents you need to get a REAL ID online.
If you got your first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID card after Sept. 1, 2003, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation may already have all required documentation on file. Find out if this applies to you by pre-registering online ahead of time.
If the state agency has your documents, you can order your REAL ID online, and you should get it in the mail within 15 business days.
If you do need to visit a PennDOT REAL ID center, you can find a list of locations online.
According to PennDOT, a REAL ID comes with a one-time fee of $30 and an additional renewal fee, which is $30.50 for a four-year, non-commercial driver’s license or photo ID.