REAL ID Deadline Down To 7 Months: 5 Things To Know In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — Less than seven months remain before Keystone State residents will need to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to fly within the United States, unless they have other approved identification.

The deadline to get a REAL ID is May 7, 2025. After that date, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will no longer accept identification that does not meet the new standards.

How Do I Know If I Have A REAL ID?

A REAL ID is distinguishable from a regular Pennsylvania driver’s license because it has a gold circle in the upper right corner, with a white star in the middle of the circle. That indicates that a person’s citizenship and legal residence status have been verified.

When Would I Need To Show A Real ID?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In addition to the stars, REAL ID cards are built with technology that makes them more difficult to forge, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or other documentation, will be needed to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal buildings.

Where Can I Get A REAL ID, And What Do I Need?

REAL ID cards are issued at driver’s licensing stations and REAL ID centers in Pennsylvania. Keystone State residents must show proof of identity, proof of their Social Security number, two documents proving a current Pennsylvania address, and proof of all legal name changes, if applicable.

Certain Pennsylvanians can also apply for pre-verification online, if they received their FIRST Pennsylvania driver's license, learner's permit or photo ID card after September 2003.

This does not apply to people with a Commercial Driver's License, who have temporary immigration status, or who are lawful permanent residents.

The cost of a REAL ID is a $30 one time fee, plus the $30.50 fee charged by PennDOT for all card renewals. REAL ID will be valid for four years plus any time remaining on your existing REAL ID identification.

What If I Don't Get A REAL ID?

Pennsylvania residents without a REAL ID will need a valid passport or other federally accepted document, such as a Global Entry Card, to board domestic flights or enter nuclear power plants and certain federal buildings. The Transportation Safety Administration has a list of federally accepted documents online.

Those who don’t plan to fly domestically or visit a federal office don’t need to do anything, and a REAL ID is not required to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won’t require children under 18 to provide identification when they’re traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport required for international travel, and it also does not affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don’t require identification, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.

Should I Just Wait Until 2025?

If you want to wait until the new year, know you could find longer lines at PennDOT offices, and more competition for appointments to get a REAL ID.