PA Real ID: What You Need To Do Now If Flying Next Year

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania residents have about a year to get their verified REAL ID driver's license before new federal air travel rules go into effect. A REAL ID or other identification such as a passport will be required to board an airplane come Oct. 1, 2020.

The REAL ID became available in Pennsylvania in March.

They are optional and are not needed to drive or vote. But in addition to needing it for a domestic flight, you'll need the READ ID to enter a federal building or military installation if you don't have a passport or military ID card.

PennDOT said it "strongly" advises residents to gather the required documents well in advance of the federal deadline, especially if you'll need to obtain duplicate copies of documents before applying. "Some states may take up to six months to process duplicate birth certificates, so it is advisable to begin that process right away," PennDOT said.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. REAL ID driver's licenses and state identification cards have a gold star in the top right corner to indicate they comply with federal rules.

Pennsylvania received several extensions to implement the requirements. In May, the Department of Homeland Security certified that Pennsylvania is fully compliant with the federal REAL ID Act.

To get a REAL ID, you can apply online (you'll need to be pre-verified first) or go to any PennDOT Driver License Center. From there, you'll receive your REAL ID within 15 business days. If you need it right away, you can visit one of 12 REAL ID centers and obtain it that day.

Required documentation includes:

• identification (original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport),
• a social security card
• proof of legal name changes
• two proofs of address

For specific information about what documents you'll need to apply for pre-verification, visit the REAL ID Document Check page.

The REAL ID costs $30, plus a renewal fee.

Non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards now also look different — they are labeled with the words "Not for REAL ID Purposes." See what those identification cards look like.