At the top of the Department of Homeland Security website is a time counter that decreases by the second, sending an alert that the clock is indeed ticking on the REAL ID requirement.

Beginning May 7, you — and all other U.S. citizens — will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or valid passport or military ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building or military installation, according to pa.gov.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, enacting the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” as stated on the DHS website.

The REAL ID deadline has been extended a few times, but it appears this one is holding steady.

If you’re planning to get a REAL ID but haven’t begun the process, you might consider getting started. As the deadline draws nearer, the demand and crowds at driver’s license centers likely will increase.

A few of our local driver’s license centers are offering special times to assist in the process and keep things moving along.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Proof of identity and lawful status — you’ll need to have one of these with you:

• United States birth certificate with a raised seal, issued by an authorized government agency

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card

• Certificate of U.S. citizenship

• Consular report of birth abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State

• Certificate of naturalization issued by the DHS

• Unexpired employment authorization card issued by the DHS

• Valid, unexpired permanent resident card issued by the DHS

• Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed

Proof of Social Security number — you’ll need to show one of these:

• Social Security card

• W-2 form

• SSA-1099 form

• Non-SSA-1099 form

• Pay stub

Proof of Pennsylvania residency — you’ll need to show two of these:

• Current, unexpired Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID card

• Pennsylvania vehicle registration card

• Auto insurance card

• Computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address

• W-2 form

• Tax records

• Lease agreements or mortgage documents

Proof of legal name or date of birth change — you’ll need one of these:

• Certified marriage certificate issued by the county

• Court order approving a change of legal name or date of birth

• Original/certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change of name

One thing to note, per pa.gov: If you’re using your passport as your proof of identity and it shows your current name, you don’t need to show proof of the name change.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, you will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus other applicable renewal fees. The expiration date of your first REAL ID includes any time remaining on your current license or ID card, plus an additional four years. That means you won’t lose any time that you previously paid for.

When you have all of the documentation together, it’s time to head to a license center. Local facilities have a special date each month to help you.

March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lehigh Valley Driver License Center, 1710 Hoover Ave., Allentown, 18109: This center will assist in having your documents verified and imaged. You will receive your REAL ID in the mail within 15 business days.

April 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Whitehall Driver’s License Center, 1101 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, 18052: This center can process your documentation and issue a REAL ID at the time of service.

Lehigh Valley Driver License Center, 1710 Hoover Ave., Allentown, 18109: This center will assist in having your documents verified and imaged. You will receive your REAL ID in the mail within 15 business days.

May 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Whitehall Driver’s License Center, 1101 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, 18052: This center can process your documentation and issue a REAL ID at the time of service.

So, gather your documents and pick a date and place.

Tick tock.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press