Pennsylvania’s REAL ID deadline is slowly approaching – again. Do you really need it?

Although previous deadlines were extended years into the future, REAL ID requirements are scheduled to begin soon in Pennsylvania.

REAL ID will enter effect next year , bringing with it many notable changes to driver’s licenses, official documents and more in Pennsylvania and across the country. The federal Department of Homeland Security will enforce the law across the U.S. nearly two decades after it received congressional approval in response to the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.

So far, more than 2.2 million Pennsylvanians have obtained a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The commonwealth had roughly 9.13 million total licensed drivers in 2023, according to the agency.

Here’s what you need to know about REAL ID and its effects in Pennsylvania before enforcement begins next year.

When do I need to have my REAL ID?

Pennsylvania will begin observing REAL ID enforcement starting May 7, 2025.

That date marks more than two years since the Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement date, which was previously set for May 3, 2023. When announcing its decision, the agency said the extended enforcement date was necessary in part due to the lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing bureaucratic backlog.

REAL ID’s enforcement date could certainly receive another extension at some point over the next year or so. But until further notice, May 7, 2025, is the date to know.

Obtaining a REAL ID is not required in Pennsylvania. However, those who do not have a compliant form of identification once enforcement begins may face certain travel restrictions.

What happens when REAL ID enforcement begins in Pennsylvania?

Once May 7, 2025, rolls around, REAL ID-compliance licenses, identification cards or other federally accepted forms of identification will be required to board domestic commercial flights, enter military bases or enter federal facilities that require identification at the door, according to PennDOT.

Notably, REAL IDs are not required to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit post offices, access federal courts or apply to receive federal benefits.

Pennsylvanians may choose to obtain either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or a standard driver’s license or identification card. Those who do not have a REAL ID will nonetheless need an alternate form of federally accepted identification (such as a valid passport) to board domestic commercial flights or enter certain federal facilities.

PennDOT offers an online tool that can help you decide if a REAL ID is right for you. Visit dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/REAL-ID-Wizard.aspx to take the quiz with a few simple clicks.

What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

Under federal regulations, PennDOT must verify original versions or certified copies of several documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID. Broadly, these documents must show proof of identity , proof of Social Security number , two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address and proof of all legal name changes (if applicable).

Acceptable documents displaying proof of identity include:

• An original or certified copy of a birth certificate
• A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card

Acceptable documents displaying proof of Social Security number include:

• A Social Security card
• A W-2 tax form
• A SSA-1099 form
• A non-SSA-1099 form
• A pay stub

Remember, you will need to show two documents providing proof of your current, physical Pennsylvania address. Acceptable documents include:

• A current, unexpired Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID
• A Pennsylvania vehicle registration, automobile insurance card or utility bill with the same name and address

Acceptable documents displaying proof of all legal name changes (if applicable) include:

• A certified marriage certificate, court order or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court

Lawfully present non-U.S. citizens may provide several acceptable documents, including unexpired documents that display proof of employment or residence, such as a green card.

You can visit dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/REAL-ID-Document-Check.aspx to download a printable document checklist.

How much does a REAL ID cost in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvanians need to pay a one-time $30 fee to get their REAL ID, PennDOT says.

The current renewal fee for a four-year, non-commercial driver’s license is $39.50. The fee slightly increases for photo IDs, which cost $42.50 to renew.

Expiration dates for REAL ID products are calculated by adding the remaining time on your current license or ID card, plus an additional four years. Exceptions are made for those who are 65 years of age and older, who have two-year licenses.

According to PennDOT, this expiration date structure aims to ensure Pennsylvanians do not “lose” time that they have already paid for.

Can I get a real ID online in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but the requirements are narrow in scope.

If PennDOT confirms your necessary documents are already on file, you can order a REAL ID product online without needing to visit a driver’s license center. You can apply for pre-verification online at dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/REAL-ID-Pre-Verification.aspx .

PennDOT may already have required REAL ID documentation on file if you received your first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID card after Sept. 1, 2003.

Where can I get my REAL ID in Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvanians have two main options to obtain a REAL ID.

The first is any PennDOT Driver License Center, where you can have your documents verified and imaged. If you sign up for a REAL ID at one of these centers, you should receive your REAL ID within 15 business days, according to PennDOT.

PennDOT also offers a REAL ID Center in 13 counties, including in Centre County at 812 W. College Ave. in Pleasant Gap. These centers can verify documents and have REAL IDs ready for pickup at the time of service.

You can visit dmv.pa.gov/Pages/REAL-ID-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx to learn more about REAL ID in Pennsylvania and find answers to other frequently asked questions.