REAL ID Now Available In Pennsylvania: What To Know

It's official: you can now obtain your REAL ID in Pennsylvania.

While REAL IDs are optional and are not needed to drive or vote, you'll need it to board a domestic commercial flight as of October 1, 2020 if you don't have an alternative federally-acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID card.

In addition to needing it for a domestic flight, you'll need the READ ID to enter a federal building or military installation if you don't have a passport or military ID card.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Pennsylvania has received several extensions to implement the requirements.

To get your REAL ID, you can apply online (you'll need to be pre-verified first) or go to any PennDOT Driver License Center. From there, you'll receive your REAL ID within 15 business days.

Required documentation includes identification (original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport), a social security card, proof of legal name changes, and two proofs of address. For specific information about what documents you'll need to apply for pre-verification, click here to go to the REAL ID Document Check page.

Once you receive your REAL ID, you'll notice there is a visible difference between it and your standard license. The REAL ID will be marked with a gold star.

The REAL ID costs $30, plus a renewal fee.

Starting this month, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different — they will be clearly labeled with the words "Not for REAL ID Purposes."

If you want to see what the identification cards look like, click here.