PENNDOT

REAL ID starts May 3, 2023

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds state residents in one year federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act will begin at airports and secure federal facilities nationwide.

Beginning May 3, 2023, a federally accepted form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used as identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door.

There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID.

PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.

Customers have three options for obtaining a REAL ID product:

•They may order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified. Their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days.

•They can visit any PennDOT driver’s license center that is open for driver’s license services, have their documents verified and imaged and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days.

•They can visit one of 13 REAL ID centers and receive their REAL ID product over the counter at the time of service. One of the centers is located at 1101 MacArthur Road, Allentown.

Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID, PennDOT must verify the applicant’s identity, Social Security number, physical address and all legal names changes. Verification documents include:

•Proof of identity: Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport.

•Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card in current legal name.

•Two proofs of physical Pennsylvania address: Examples include a current driver’s license or ID card, vehicle registration or a utility bill.

•Proof of all legal name changes (if legal name is different from what is on the proof of identity documents): Examples include a certified marriage certificate, a court order approving a name change or an amended birth certificate.

For more information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on required documents, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.