REAL ID Deadline Delayed 2 Years: What It Means For PA Residents

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania residents now have two more years to obtain their REAL ID thanks to an extension from the Department of Homeland Security on Monday. The new deadline, originally slated for this coming spring, is now May 7, 2025.

Federal officials cited the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and continuing delays in the state motor vehicle agencies that issue the licenses. Many states extended deadlines and expiration dates for drivers licenses during the height of COVID-19, leading to backlogs.

"DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. "We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely."

Real IDs are not required in Pennsylvania, but driver's licenses must be REAL IDs by May 7, 2025 in order to be used as identification to board a flight. Passports remain valid for flights as well.

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This is the third time a significant extension on REAL ID been handed down. The original date was April 27, 2020, which was extended back October 2021, then again to May 3, 2023.

Beyond the TSA, other federal agencies will not accept identification that does not meet REAL ID standards once the new deadline passes.

In Pennsylvania, residents can start the process of getting the REAL ID by applying online through PennDOT here. When you go to your local PennDOT branch, you'll need a birth certificate, social security card, two proofs of address, and, if applicable, proof all legal name changes. Requirements for non-U.S. citizens and other details are available through PennDOT's site.

The cost of a REAL ID is a $30 one time fee, plus the $30.50 fee charged by PennDOT for all card renewals. REAL ID will be valid for four years plus any time remaining on your existing REAL ID identification.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Four pieces of identification are required to obtain a REAL ID: a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents proving proof of residence, such as a mortgage or rental receipt and a utility bill.

In addition to the stars on REAL ID driver's licenses, the cards themselves will be built with new technology, making them much more difficult to forge, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If you don't plan to fly domestically or visit a federal office, no worries. You don't need a REAL ID to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won't require children under 18 to provide identification when they're traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID isn't a substitute for a passport required for international travel, and it also doesn't affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don't require identification, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.