In less than a week now, the federal Real ID requirement goes into effect and will be enforced by TSA agents at airports across the country.
Starting May 7, anyone 18 years of age or older will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification like a passport to fly domestically or visit certain federal and military facilities.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll discussed the deadline via press conference Thursday and answered common questions about the process.
So far, around 3 million people statewide have gotten their Real ID — which is denoted with a gold star on a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, according to Carroll. There are roughly 10 million drivers in the commonwealth.
“We’re seeing huge increases in customer volumes at our driver’s license centers as we begin to get closer and closer,” he said. “We do our best to triage the lines to make sure people have documentation.”
Since it’s optional in Pennsylvania, Carroll said people haven’t made getting a Real ID a priority.
“If you’re in line before we close, we’ll accommodate you because you were in line before closure,” he said. “We’re working really hard — a lot of folks have waited until the last minute here.”
Pennsylvanians have been able to get a Real ID for the past six years, and they will still be able to do so past the May 7 deadline, according to Carroll.
“If you don’t have immediate plans or you already have valid passport, you may want to hold off for a few weeks until the rush at the driver’s license centers dies down,” he said.
Real ID process
Carroll said previously that people should get their Real ID by going to a PennDOT driver’s license center with the necessary documents to prove identity and address — as well as paying a one-time $30 fee.
In order to receive a Real ID, people must bring original versions or certified copies of the following documents:
- Proof of identity: An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the state office of vital records with a raised/embossed seal — issued by an authorized government agency or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or passport card
- Proof of Social Security Number: A Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, non-SSA-1099 form or pay stub (proof must display current legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number)
- Two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address: A current, unexpired state license or ID, or a PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card or utility bill with the same name and address
- Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable): A certified marriage certificate, court order or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court
A full checklist is provided online by PennDOT.
If you’re traveling soon and don’t have a Real ID yet, the fastest way to get one is to head to one of Pennsylvania’s same-day Real ID centers, according to Carroll. There are 15 out of the 57 that offer this service, and they can be found online.
“You will walk out with the Real ID,” he said. “Otherwise, it will be mailed to you in about two weeks.”
Some locations are also open on Monday, May 5 exclusively for people to get their Real IDs. Usually, the driver’s license centers are closed on Mondays.
“I’m a little concerned about folks who will rely on passport,” Carroll said. “You have to remember to take it with you to the airport so you can get past the TSA checkpoint.”
Those who are undergoing a name change for reasons such as marriage or divorce should bring the necessary documentation related to the name change to the driver’s license center.
The documentation has to highlight the name change from the issuing county, according to Carroll.
“Admittedly, this is complicated for a lot of women that have had name changes through their life, but it is a federal requirement. These are not PennDOT rules,” he said. “I feel bad for women when it comes to having to collect all of these additional documents.”