PA REAL ID Enforcement Begins In 1 Year

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania residents have just one year to apply for their REAL ID cards. The Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcement for air travelers on May 3, 2023.

During the pandemic the deadline was moved to next year for the Keystone State and the rest of the nation. The pandemic made it more cumbersome for residents to make trips to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportatioin's offices since the agency was operating in person at a limited capacity.

Although the deadline is a year away, Pennsylvanians are urged to try and get their REAL ID ahead of time.

"Although a year seems like a long time to get ready, the deadline will be upon us before you know it. We encourage our customers who want a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible," said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. "We continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service to all of our customers as the federal deadline approaches."

Since April, some 1.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID, according to state data.

Getting a REAL ID is not required. "REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents," PennDOT's website states. "You will be able to get either a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card."

U.S. passports will still be an acceptable form of federal identification to board any flight or visit a federal property. Those who are under 18 years old are not required to have this ID to fly.

"We see plenty of travelers who reside in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey who fly out of Philadelphia International Airport regularly," TSA Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero said. And like all travelers from out-of-state who want to fly after May 3, 2023, they also will need to have a REAL ID compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of ID when they approach our TSA travel document podium."

Any Pennsylvanian who can prove their legal presence in the U.S. with one accepted identity document is eligible to apply for this card, officials said. See the REAL ID online wizard here for details.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

How to apply for the REAL ID in Pennsylvania

To apply for the new card, you'll need to gather a few documents and take a trip to the DMV.

1. First gather any of the following identity documents:

• Valid U.S. passport
• Birth certificate
• U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551"
• Documents reflecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefit eligibility

2. Then find proof of your social security number (full number required)

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Paystub

3. Gather two of these documents to prove Pennsylvania residency

• Home utility bills (including cellular phone)
• Medical documents
• PA Car or Boat registration
• Employment documents
• Insurance documents
• Bank and Financial institution records
• Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
• Mortgage bill
• Rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant)

4. Complete the application process online and upload your documents here.

5. Visit a DMV office. Find one close to you.