PA Resumes Issuing REAL IDs: What To Know Ahead Of Deadline

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced it has resumed issuing REAL IDs at reopened Driver License Centers throughout the state.

The agency had temporarily stopped issuing REAL IDs in March due to the pandemic. But don't panic: The federal Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for the REAL ID from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

Starting in October 2021, drivers' licenses and state IDs that are not REAL ID compliant will not be accepted as identification by federal authorities. While REAL IDs are optional, you'll need some form of acceptable identification to board domestic flights and access federal buildings if you do not obtain one. Other IDs that will be accepted to fly or get into a federal building include a U.S. passport or a military ID.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Pennsylvania received several extensions to implement the requirements.

A REAL ID has a one-time fee of $30, plus a renewal fee.

The current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year, non-commercial driver's license, $31.50 for a photo ID.

To get a REAL ID you'll need the following documents:

• Proof of identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. passport
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, in current legal name
• Two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address: 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 applicable): Certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics

There are three ways to get a REAL ID:

• If you've been pre-verified, you can order your REAL ID online and receive it in the mail within 15 business days.
• You can visit one of PennDOT's 63 Driver's License Centers, have your documents verified, and pay the one-time fee. Your REAL ID will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
• You can visit one of the 12 REAL ID Centers to have documents verified, pay the one-time fee, and receive the REAL ID over the counter at that time.

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and photo ID cards have been available as an option since March 2019.

More information on REAL IDs in Pennsylvania can be found here.