Pennsylvania Residents Encouraged to Obtain Real ID Driver’s License Ahead of Deadline
As the October 2021 deadline for the Real ID Act approaches, Pennsylvania residents are being encouraged to obtain their Real ID driver’s license to ensure they have the proper identification needed to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been working diligently to inform residents about the importance of obtaining a Real ID driver’s license. In order to obtain a Real ID, residents must visit a PennDOT Driver’s License Center and bring specific documents to prove their identity, such as a birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of address.
“Having a Real ID driver’s license is crucial for anyone who plans to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after the October 2021 deadline,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We want to make sure that all Pennsylvania residents are aware of the requirements and have the proper identification in order to avoid any issues in the future.”
There has been some confusion among residents about the difference between a standard driver’s license and a Real ID driver’s license. While a standard driver’s license is still valid for driving and identity verification purposes, it does not meet the federal requirements for boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. Residents who do not have a Real ID may need to use a passport or other approved form of identification for these purposes.
In addition to the Real ID driver’s license, PennDOT also offers a Real ID identification card for those who do not have a driver’s license. The process for obtaining a Real ID identification card is similar to that of obtaining a Real ID driver’s license, requiring the same documents to prove identity.
It is important for Pennsylvania residents to act now and begin the process of obtaining their Real ID driver’s license or identification card. With the deadline just a few months away, PennDOT expects an influx of applicants and encourages residents to make appointments at their local Driver’s License Center as soon as possible.
“We understand that obtaining a Real ID driver’s license can be a time-consuming process, which is why we urge residents to start the process now to avoid any last-minute stress,” said Secretary Gramian. “Our goal is to ensure that all Pennsylvania residents have the proper identification they need to travel and access federal facilities.”
To assist residents in obtaining their Real ID driver’s license, PennDOT has launched an online tool that allows individuals to pre-verify their documents before visiting a Driver’s License Center. This tool allows residents to enter their information and upload scanned copies of their documents for review by PennDOT staff.
“We want to make the process as easy as possible for residents,” said Secretary Gramian. “By pre-verifying their documents online, individuals can ensure that they have everything they need before coming to a Driver’s License Center.”
Pennsylvania residents are also reminded that the Real ID Act deadline is fast approaching and that they should not wait until the last minute to obtain their Real ID driver’s license or identification card. Failure to have the proper identification could result in delays or even denied entry to federal facilities.
“We want to make sure that all Pennsylvania residents are prepared and have the proper identification they need to travel and access federal buildings,” said Secretary Gramian. “By obtaining a Real ID driver’s license or identification card, residents can ensure that they are compliant with the federal requirements and avoid any issues in the future.”
Overall, the message from PennDOT to Pennsylvania residents is clear: obtain your Real ID driver’s license or identification card now to avoid any potential issues after the October 2021 deadline. By taking action now, residents can ensure that they have the proper identification needed for travel and access to federal facilities.
