Starting October 1, 2020, residents of Pennsylvania will need a Real ID driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights, enter military bases or federal facilities that require ID, or enter secure federal buildings. This new requirement is part of the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, in order to combat identity theft and fraud.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been working diligently to implement the new Real ID program and issue compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards. According to PennDOT, over 1.3 million Pennsylvanians have already obtained their Real ID documents, but there are still many residents who need to get theirs before the October 1 deadline.
To obtain a Real ID driver’s license or ID card, residents must visit a PennDOT driver’s license center in person and bring specific documents to prove their identity, social security number, and Pennsylvania residency. These documents include a birth certificate or valid passport, a social security card, and two proofs of Pennsylvania residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
The Real ID driver’s license and ID card will feature a star in the upper right-hand corner, denoting that it meets the federal standards for identity verification. These cards are more secure and harder to counterfeit, making them a crucial tool in combating identity theft and fraud. In addition to the star, the cards will also have unique security features and technology to prevent tampering or duplication.
Residents who choose not to obtain a Real ID driver’s license or ID card will still be able to use their non-compliant documents for driving, voting, or proving identity in non-federal situations. However, they will not be able to use these documents for air travel or entry into federal facilities after the October 1 deadline.
For those who are unsure if they need a Real ID, PennDOT has created an online tool called “REAL ID Look.” By entering their information on the PennDOT website, residents can quickly determine if they already have a Real ID document or if they need to get one before the deadline.
PennDOT has also been actively reaching out to residents through public service announcements, social media campaigns, and informational events to educate them about the Real ID program and encourage them to get their documents before the deadline. The department has extended hours at some driver’s license centers and set up temporary locations in certain areas to accommodate the increased demand for Real ID documents.
Overall, the implementation of the Real ID program in Pennsylvania has been a significant undertaking, but it is essential for ensuring the security and safety of residents and travelers. With the October 1 deadline fast approaching, Pennsylvanians are urged to act quickly and obtain their Real ID driver’s license or ID card to avoid any inconvenience or delays in the future.
