Real ID Deadline Less Than 2 Months Away: How To Prepare In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — After years of preparation and several delays, the final deadline for Pennsylvania residents to obtain a REAL ID is less than two months away.

Pennsylvania residents who are 18 and older must show a REAL ID, a passport or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights or certain federal buildings when enforcement begins on May 7.

More than 2.5 million Pennsylvania residents already have opted into the program, and PennDOT will hold weekly "REAL ID Days" around the state to serve more customers until the deadline approaches.

“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," said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton.

And, AAA is also urging frequent domestic travelers to update their traditional license to a REAL ID before they finalize their travel plans, even if they don't need one just to buy a ticket.

“The key to making the REAL ID process as smooth as possible is preparation and arriving at appointments with all the right documents,” said Shani Jarvis, Outreach Manager for AAA Northeast. “Travelers should also know that they do not need a REAL ID simply to purchase airline tickets after the deadline, but will need to have a REAL ID to board any domestic flight after May 7.”

AAA also warned residents to be wary of fake MVC sites that may appear official, and to always look for websites that end in ".gov" when looking for more information.

All appointments must be made at a Driver License Center. Federal REAL ID regulations require PennDOT to verify these documents:

• Proof of identity, such as 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 a social security number. The 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 Pennsylvania 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 the 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.

More information about REAL ID document requirements can be found on PennDOT’s REAL ID website.

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses multiple times, most recently in late 2022. Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on May 7. Agencies may choose to phase in enforcement, but TSA officials urge people to upgrade their licenses now "to facilitate a smooth transition."

Homeland Security officials said COVID-19 pandemic-related backlogs have slowed states’ progress in issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses.

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

Related:

• NJ Launches 'REAL ID Thursdays' Ahead Of May 7 Deadline
• REAL ID Appointments Going Fast In NJ: How To Get One