Everything You Need to Know to Get Your Real ID Before the May 7 Deadline

If you plan to fly after May 7, your state-issued driver’s license or ID will no longer be an acceptable form of identification.

After several delays, the federally mandated Real ID law is going into effect. Travelers 18 and older will need a Real ID or other form of federally acceptable identification (such as a passport or military ID) to board domestic commercial flights, enter a military installation and certain federal facilities. Real IDs are marked with a gold star.

Congress passed stricter identification standards in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation to set higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

How to get a Real ID in Pennsylvania

Are you pre-verified?

If you obtained your FIRST learner’s permit, driver’s license or photo ID card after September 2003, your Real ID documentation may already be on file with PennDOT.

To find out if your documents are on file with PennDOT, visit: www.PennDOT.gov/REALID.

You can order your Real ID online if PennDOT confirms that your documents are on file.

What if you’re not pre-verified?

You will need to visit a PennDOT Driver Licensing Center in person.

How long does it take?

Allow up to 15 business days for processing.

Can I get my Real ID quicker?

PennDOT has 15 same-day Real ID Driver License Centers.

Regional centers are:

• Beaver Falls Driver License Center, 2580 Constitution Blvd.
• Bridgeville Driver License Center, 1025 Washington Pike
• Jeannette Driver License Center: 1100 Lowry Ave.

What documents do you need?

• Proof of identity: certified copy of a birth certificate with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal or a valid U.S. passport or passport card.
• Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card in your current legal name (laminated/unlaminated) or an official document that displays all nine digits of your Social Security number (W2, SSA1099 form, Non-SSA1099 form or pay stub).
• Two proofs of current, physical address: Current, unexpired PA driver’s license or photo ID card; PA vehicle registration card; valid auto insurance card; computer generated utility bill showing name and address; or W2 form/pay stub. All documents must be in your current legal name.
• Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable): Certified marriage certificate(s) for each marriage issued by the county court where the license was issued. Court order(s) approving a change of legal name. Original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate issued by State Office of Vital Records/Statistics.

How much does it cost?

A onetime fee of $30, plus applicable license renewal fee(s). After the first Real ID expires, there are no additional fees to renew a Real ID vs. a standard license.

How long does it last?

The expiration date will include any time remaining on your current license or ID card, plus an additional four years. Residents will not “lose” time already paid for.

Does everyone need a Real ID?

You do NOT need a Real ID to drive, vote, access federal courts or apply for or receive federal benefits.

If you have a valid passport or military ID, you don’t need a Real ID, but you may want to get one when your license comes up for normal renewal.

Bonus Monday hours to get your Real ID

In preparation for the May 7 enforcement deadline, PennDOT is offering special dedicated service at the following regional driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their Real ID. Normally closed on Mondays, these centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, March 10

You will receive your Real ID in the mail within 15 business days.

• New Kensington Driver License Center: 1600 Greensburg Road

Monday, March 17

All locations are able to issue same-day Real IDs.

• Beaver Falls Driver License Center: 2580 Constitution Blvd.
• Jeannette Driver License Center: 1100 Lowry Ave.

Monday, April 14

The driver license centers marked with an asterisk can issue a same-day Real ID. Others will issue a Real ID with 15 business days.

• Allison Park Driver License Center: 1701 Duncan Ave.
• *Bridgeville Driver License Center: 1025 Washington Pike
• New Kensington Driver License Center: 1600 Greensburg Road
• Penn Hills Driver License Center: 11620 Keleket Drive
• *Beaver Falls Driver License Center: 2580 Constitution Blvd.
• Butler Driver License Center: 158 Point Plaza
• Uniontown Driver License Center: 855 North Gallatin Ave. Ext.
• Washington Driver License Center: 250 Oak Spring Road
• *Jeannette Driver License Center: 1100 Lowry Ave.
• Belle Vernon Driver License Center: 960 Rostraver Road

Monday, May 5

The driver license centers marked with an asterisk can issue a same-day Real ID. Others will issue a Real ID with 15 business days.

• Allison Park Driver License Center: 1701 Duncan Ave.
• *Bridgeville Driver License Center: 1025 Washington Pike
• New Kensington Driver License Center: 1600 Greensburg Road
• Penn Hills Driver License Center: 11620 Keleket Drive
• *Beaver Falls Driver License Center: 2580 Constitution Blvd.
• Butler Driver License Center: 158 Point Plaza
• Uniontown Driver License Center: 855 North Gallatin Avenue Ext.
• Washington Driver License Center: 250 Oak Spring Road
• *Jeannette Driver License Center: 1100 Lowry Ave.
• Belle Vernon Driver License Center: 960 Rostraver Road

More information

Pennsylvania Real ID website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.