IIIerlok_Xolms Getty Images/iStockphoto
Enjoy traveling? If you answered “yes,” and you do it regularly, you’ve probably heard about REAL ID. If not, there are some things you’ll want to know as getting a REAL ID might need to get on your “to-do” list before Oct. 1, 2021.
Who Needs One?
Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, all Pennsylvania state residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (including a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or to enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website. You are not legally required to get a REAL ID, but if you want to perform one of the above activities, you must have one, or an accepted alternative.
How Do I Get It?
REAL IDs are available now through PennDOT. If you received your first PA driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID card after Sept. 1, 2003, PennDOT likely has all of your REAL ID documentation on file. You can check this at: dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/REAL-ID-Pre-Verification.aspx. For those without access to the Internet, call 717.412.5300.
If you pre-date 2003, you cannot go through the required pre-verification process online, but rather you can fill out required REAL ID documentation and bring it to any PennDOT driver license center for in-person pre-verification.
Once you have completed the pre-verification application, PennDOT will send follow-up communication regarding the status of your request and whether or not your documents are on file with the department. You are not pre-verified until you complete the online process and receive a confirmation from PennDOT that your documents are on file.
If it’s found that your REAL ID documents are not on file with PennDOT, you’ll need to bring REAL ID documentation to a driver’s license center. These may include:
- Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport
- Proof of Social Security Number (example: your Social Security card)
- Proof of all Legal Name Changes (example: marriage certificate)
- Two proofs of your current physical PA address (examples: current, unexpired PA license or ID, no more than 90-day-old bank statement or utility bill showing same name and address).
No REAL ID Necessary
Not everyone needs a REAL ID. A REAL ID is not required to drive, vote, to apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled, to enter a federal facility that does not require an ID, to access a hospital or receive life-saving services, or to participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (example: to serve jury duty).
For complete information on REAL ID in Pennsylvania, visit dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/default.aspx.
