Pennsylvania Drivers to Obtain Real ID Ahead of October Deadline
Starting in October, Pennsylvania residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities that require ID. This requirement is part of the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Pennsylvania residents have been able to obtain Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards since March 2019, but many have yet to make the switch. With the October deadline fast approaching, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging residents to upgrade to a Real ID as soon as possible.
“We want to make sure that all Pennsylvania residents are aware of the upcoming deadline and have the information they need to obtain a Real ID,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Having a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card will ensure that residents can continue to travel by air and access federal facilities without any issues.”
To obtain a Real ID in Pennsylvania, residents must visit a PennDOT driver’s license center and bring specific documentation, including a valid social security card, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and two proofs of Pennsylvania residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement). The cost of a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card is the same as a standard driver’s license or ID card.
In addition to the documentation requirements, residents must also pass a knowledge test and a vision screening in order to obtain a Real ID. Once all requirements have been met, residents will receive a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in the mail within 14 days.
Despite the looming deadline, many Pennsylvania residents have yet to make the switch to a Real ID. According to PennDOT, only 46% of Pennsylvania residents currently have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card.
“I haven’t gotten my Real ID yet because I keep putting it off,” said Pittsburgh resident Sarah Johnson. “But with the deadline coming up, I know I need to get it done soon. I don’t want to risk not being able to board a flight or access a federal facility.”
With the October deadline just a few months away, PennDOT is working to make the process of obtaining a Real ID as smooth as possible for Pennsylvania residents. The department has extended hours at some driver’s license centers and is offering appointments for Real ID transactions to help reduce wait times.
“We understand that obtaining a Real ID can be a time-consuming process, which is why we are working to make it as convenient as possible for residents,” said Gramian. “We encourage all Pennsylvania residents to make the switch to a Real ID sooner rather than later to avoid any last-minute rush.”
In addition to obtaining a Real ID, Pennsylvania residents also have the option to use a valid U.S. passport or passport card to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. However, for those who do not have a passport, obtaining a Real ID is the most convenient option.
For more information on how to obtain a Real ID in Pennsylvania, residents can visit the PennDOT website or contact their local driver’s license center. With the October deadline fast approaching, it’s important for Pennsylvania residents to take action now to ensure they have the proper identification to travel and access federal facilities.
