Big Change To ID Requirements Less Than 1 Month Away In PA

The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is now just one month away, and Pennsylvania officials continue to make a push for residents to obtain their updated identification so they do not experience travel disruptions.

A REAL ID or other TSA-acceptable form of ID (including a passport) will be needed to fly domestically beginning May 7.

To assist residents with getting their identification, the Department of Transportation will hold REAL ID Days events at 57 driver license centers on April 14. "The events have been popular with residents, with over 8,500 people being assisted at previous REAL ID Days events," according to information shared from PennDOT.

The April 14 REAL ID Days will be held from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM at 57 locations. For a complete list of centers that will be open, visit PennDOT’s website.

“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “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.”

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) will be required to:

• Board domestic commercial flights.
• Enter a military base.
• Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID.

A valid passport will still be required for international travel.

Federal regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents in order to issue a REAL ID:

• 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 Pennsylvania 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. 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.

The first REAL ID has a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID).

The expiration date of a resident's initial REAL ID will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID, plus an additional four years, unless they are over 65 and have a two-year license.