REAL ID will soon be required for domestic flights and to enter some federal buildings

Alicia Colombo

Source: pa.gov

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport/passport card or military ID) will be required to board a domestic commercial flight and to enter military bases or other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019.

Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, and a passport is still needed for international travel.

To determine whether your current ID is REAL ID-compliant, look at the top right of the card, underneath the words “DRIVER’S LICENSE” or “IDENTIFICATION CARD” — a star inside a circle means it is REAL ID-compliant, while the words “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” indicate that it is not compliant.

Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify these documents:

• Proof of identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal; or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
• Proof of Social Security number with current legal name and all nine digits: Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA or non-SSA 1099 form, or pay stub.
• Two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address: Current, unexpired Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID card; vehicle registration; or a utility bill with the same name and address.
• Proof of all legal name changes (if current legal name is different than name on proof of identity document): Certified marriage certificate issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order approving a change in legal name or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court.

More information about REAL ID document requirements can be found on PennDOT’s REAL ID website at pa.gov/realid.

When a customer receives a first REAL ID product, there is a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee. (The current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license and $42.50 for photo ID.) The expiration date of the initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on the existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. Ater the initial REAL ID product expires, there is no additional fee beyond regular renewal fees to renew a REAL ID product.

After customers present the proper documentation and pay the applicable fee, customers may obtain a REAL ID-compliant product by:

• Mail within 15 days, if application was made at a Driver License Center.
• In person, if application was made at one of PennDOT’s 15 REAL ID Centers.

Customers who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID card after Sept. 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documentation on file with PennDOT. These customers can apply for REAL ID pre-verification and order a REAL ID online.

For a full list of driver license centers, REAL ID Centers and services offered, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at pa.gov/dmv or call 717-412-5300.