Pennsylvania Residents Urged to Apply for REAL ID Before May 7 Deadline

Pennsylvania’s REAL ID Deadline Approaches: Less Than Four Months Left

As of January 25, 2025, Pennsylvania residents have less than four months to obtain a REAL ID before the enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025. After this date, individuals will need a REAL ID, a valid U.S. passport, or a military ID to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

Understanding REAL ID

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, aims to enhance security by setting standardized requirements for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. A REAL ID-compliant card features a star in the upper right corner, indicating it meets federal standards.

Application Process in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers two methods to obtain a REAL ID:

1. Online Application:
   • Pre-Verification: If you applied for and received your first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card after September 1, 2003, PennDOT may already have your documents on file. You can check this by applying for REAL ID pre-verification online. Pennsylvania Governor’s Office
   • Application: If pre-verified, you can apply online and receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days.
2. In-Person Application:
   • REAL ID Centers: Visit any PennDOT REAL ID center to have your documents verified and receive your REAL ID on the spot.
   • Driver License Centers: Alternatively, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and receive your REAL ID within 15 business days.

Required Documents

To apply for a REAL ID, you will need the following documents:

• Proof of Identity:
  • Original or certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.
• Proof of Social Security Number:
  • Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with your full SSN.
• Proof of Pennsylvania Residency:
  • Two documents showing your current Pennsylvania address, such as a valid driver’s license, utility bill, or auto insurance card.
• Proof of Legal Name Changes (if applicable):
  • Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For non-U.S. citizens, additional documentation is required. Detailed information is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s website.

Costs and Expiration

The cost for a REAL ID varies based on your current license or ID status. For non-commercial drivers, renewing with REAL ID is automatic. For commercial drivers, there are two choices:

1. Renew your CDL when you get REAL ID:
   • Pay a one-time fee of $30 plus the renewal fee.
   • Your first REAL ID CDL will be valid for the remaining time on your current one, plus four more years.
   • After it expires, you’ll renew every four years without extra fees for REAL ID.
2. Get a duplicate CDL with REAL ID:
   • Pay $30 plus a duplicate fee (currently $31.50).
   • The expiration matches your current CDL.

For non-U.S. citizens, the expiration date of your first REAL ID depends on your immigration status. Detailed information is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s website.

Why Obtain a REAL ID?

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for:

• Domestic Air Travel: Boarding commercial flights within the U.S.
• Federal Facilities: Entering military bases and certain federal buildings

If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport or military ID for these purposes.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author