Pennsylvania Introduces Enhanced Driver’s Licenses to Improve Security Measures
In an effort to enhance security measures and combat identity theft, the state of Pennsylvania has introduced a new form of identification known as the PA Enhanced Driver License (EDL). This new initiative aims to provide residents with a secure and convenient form of identification that can be used for both driving and travel purposes.
The PA Enhanced Driver License is a card that meets the requirements of the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 to improve the security measures of state-issued identification cards. The card features a gold star in the top right corner, indicating that the holder has provided valid forms of identification and has undergone a rigorous identity verification process.
One of the main benefits of the PA Enhanced Driver License is that it can be used as a valid form of identification for air travel within the United States. This means that residents who opt for the EDL will no longer need to carry a passport when flying domestically. This can be especially beneficial for frequent flyers or those who do not have a passport for various reasons.
In addition to air travel, the PA Enhanced Driver License can also be used as a form of identification when entering federal facilities or military bases. This can streamline the identification process and provide an added level of security for both the cardholder and the facility in question.
To obtain a PA Enhanced Driver License, residents must visit their local PennDOT driver’s license center and provide a number of documents to prove their identity. These documents may include a birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, and any other relevant documentation. Once all of the necessary documents have been verified, the resident will receive their new enhanced driver’s license in the mail within a few weeks.
The cost of obtaining a PA Enhanced Driver License is $30, in addition to the standard driver’s license fee. While this may seem like an added expense, many residents see the benefits of the enhanced security measures and convenience that come with the EDL. The card is valid for four years, at which point it must be renewed like a regular driver’s license.
Pennsylvania joins a growing list of states that have implemented Enhanced Driver Licenses as a way to improve security measures and combat identity theft. Other states, such as New York, Michigan, and Vermont, have already rolled out their own versions of the EDL in recent years. This trend is likely to continue as more states look for ways to enhance the security of their residents’ identification cards.
Overall, the introduction of the PA Enhanced Driver License is a positive step forward for the state of Pennsylvania. By providing residents with a secure and convenient form of identification, the state is taking proactive measures to protect its citizens and combat identity theft. Residents who are interested in obtaining an EDL should visit their local driver’s license center to start the process today.
