Shapiro Admin Encourages PA to Prepare for Federal REAL ID Enforcement

With the start of federal REAL ID enforcement beginning in less than a month, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and the American Automobile Association (AAA), are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now These efforts reflect the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring residents have the information and opportunities they need to be ready for federal REAL ID enforcement.

Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight, and enter a military base or other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019.

“We know that people look forward to traveling with friends and family,” said Carroll. “But after May 7, if you don’t have a REAL ID or a passport, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight. We’re strongly encouraging everyone to make sure you have what you need to travel before you arrive at the airport, especially if you already have flights planned for the summer.”

PennDOT is hosting a series of REAL ID Days at driver license centers across the commonwealth, when centers are typically closed. On April 7, more than 9,700 customers received their REAL ID, and the average statewide wait time was only 22 minutes. A complete schedule of REAL ID Days events can be found on PennDOT’s website.

“We recommend that your pre-travel checklist for flights after May 7 contains a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card,” said Carl Beardsley, Executive Director of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. “You’ll need one for a smooth check in to avoid delays with your travel plans.”

If you're not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. A passport is still needed for international travel.

“We don’t want anyone with current or future travel plans to be blindsided when they arrive at the airport and find out they and their families aren't allowed to fly,” said Nina Waskevich, Vice President, Brand and Membership, AAA North “We recommend that everybody stop and think if there will ever be any reason whatsoever that they think they would need to fly domestically, or enter a federal facility. If yes, don’t put REAL ID on hold.”

Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents:

Proof of Identity: examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.

Proof of Social Security Number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number): examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub.

Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: examples include a current, unexpired PA driver's license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.

Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county's family court.

Note: If current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.

More information about REAL ID document requirements can be found at pa.gov/REALID.