What is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed by Congress after Sept. 11, 2001, that establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like entering a federal building or boarding a domestic commercial flight. Enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins on May 7, 2025.
When will REAL IDs be available in Pennsylvania?
REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvanians who want them.
When do I needto get a REAL ID, if I don't have a passport and want to use my PA driver's license or ID card to board a domestic flight?
Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card oran acceptable alternative identification as approved by TSA(such as a passport)to board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal facility without a secondary form of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved identification.
Can I board a plane with the license I have now?
Yes.Current PennDOT-issued driver's licenses and identification cards will remain acceptable identification for boarding domestic commercial flights until May 7, 2025.After that date,Pennsyvlanians will need a REAL ID or anotheracceptable alternative identification as approved by TSA(such as a passport).
For additional information on identification accepted by TSA,visit their websiteor call 866-289-9673.
I have a valid passport. Do I need to get a REAL ID?
You certainly are welcome to get a REAL ID, but since your passport is sufficient identification to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a secure federal building after May 7, 2025, we recommend you wait until your license or ID card comes up for normal renewal and avoid the initial rush.
I am a CDL holder with a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Will I be able to use that to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facilityafter May 7, 2025?
A valid, unexpired TWIC cardare currently onTSA's list of acceptable identificationfor boarding. Information about TWIC cards can be found onTSA's website.
For more information, visit our REAL ID for CDL Holders page.
Why did PennDOT wait so long to begin the REAL ID process?
Until May 2017, Pennsylvania law prohibited PennDOT from complying with the federal REAL ID Act. Act 3 of 2017 repealed this prior legislation and allowed PennDOT to seek REAL ID compliance. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards are nowavailable to customers who want them.
Will the non-REAL ID driver's license or ID card be less secure?
No. While processes and procedures required by DHS to issue a REAL ID card differ from standard-issued cards, the non-REAL ID cards are produced using the same security features.
Do I have to get a REAL ID?
No, REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents. You can to get either a REAL ID driver's license or identification card, or a standard driver's license or identification card. If you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, oranother federally approved identification, you may use this as your form of identification to pass a TSA checkpoint at airports nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installations at any time.
Why would I want a REAL ID?
Afederally accepted identification(whether it's a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver's license or identification card, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, military ID, etc.) must be used as your identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal buildingon and after May 7, 2025.
If you want to use your Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID as identification for these purposes, you may want to consider getting a REAL ID when they're available. Our REAL ID online wizard may help you decide if and when to get a REAL ID.If you know you will not be boarding a commercial flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base after May 7, 2025or if you have a valid passport, you donotneed a REAL ID.
Do I need a REAL ID to drive?
You donotneed a REAL ID driver's license or identification card to do any of the following:
- Drive
- Vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans' Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office)
- Access a hospital or receive life-saving services
- Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)
Where will I be able to get a REAL ID?
Customers who want a REAL IDhave three options to obtain one:
- Apply online(pre-verified non-CDL customers only)
- Visit any PennDOT Driver License Centerto have your documents verified and imaged, and receive your REAL ID within 15 business days
- Visit a REAL ID Centerto have your documents verified and imaged and receive your REAL ID at the time of service
Please note that standalone photo centers are NOT able to perform REAL ID transactions, per federal regulations.
How much doesthe REAL ID cost?
Youwill pay a one-time fee of $30, plus arenewal fee(current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license or $42.50 fora photo ID).The expiration date of theinitial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on yourcurrent license or ID card, plus an additional four years, unless youareover 65 and havea two-year license.
This expiration date structure means that youwon’t “lose” time that you'vealready paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product.
I have a CDL and want to upgrade to a REAL ID, but my commercial endorsements make my renewal fee more expensive. Do I have to renew when I get a REAL ID, or can I get a duplicate instead?
Yes, CDL customers may choose to opt into REAL ID and receive a duplicate product rather than renewing.
For more information, visit ourREAL ID for CDL Holderspage.
I have a CDL. If I'm pre-verified, canI apply for REAL ID online?
CDL holders are currently NOT eligible to apply for REAL ID online - you must apply in person at aPennDOT Driver License Center.
If I've recently renewed my license, do I have to pay to renew my license and pay again to get a REAL ID?
It is optional and voluntary to change your current license to a REAL ID. However, if you choose to get a REAL ID when they are available, your REAL ID expiration date will reflect any remaining time on your current license, plus four years - you will not "lose" any time that you've already paid for.
Will my REAL ID license or ID card look different?
The visible difference is that a REAL ID-compliant product is marked with a gold star. REAL ID products are produced using the same security features as standard-issued products.
After March 2019, standard-issue, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different. Per federal REAL ID regulations, non-REAL IDs must be clearly labeled with the words "Not for REAL ID Purposes."
Beloware examples of what REAL ID and standard-issue products look like, and additional images can be found on ourImages page:
