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Don’t wait to get your REAL ID in Pennsylvania

Follow these steps before the new deadline.

Rocky Balboa's Pennsylvania REAL ID. A PA state ID is considered REAL ID if it has a gold star in the upper-right hand corner.
Rocky Balboa's Pennsylvania REAL ID. A PA state ID is considered REAL ID if it has a gold star in the upper-right hand corner.Read moreCynthia Greer

The federal government’s push for REAL ID has been going on for years, but the current deadline is May 7, 2025.

But just because the deadline has been pushed back, that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to comply with federal law.

Pennsylvanians can complete their Real ID application online, then bring both the necessary documents, plus an application confirmation code to their nearest DMV office.

Here’s what you need to know about obtaining a Real ID in Pennsylvania.

Key takeaways

  • REAL ID is a new federal ID system. which goes into effect on May 7, 2025.
  • You don't need REAL ID to vote in Pennsylvania.
  • You don't need REAL ID if you have other federal photo ID, such as a passport.
  • After the 2025 deadline, you will need REAL ID or valid federal ID to board a domestic flight and enter some federal buildings and military bases.
  • You cannot get REAL ID if you are undocumented.
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What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is going to be the new standard of verifying your identity with the federal government — it’s a policy that has been more than 20 years in the making.

After 9/11, U.S. lawmakers enacted a policy to enforce stricter standards for getting a state photo ID or driver’s license nationwide. States that didn’t already meet those standards needed to upgrade their system. The law was originally written in 2005, but the federal government gave states more time to prepare their residents to transfer to this new ID system.

In the past, you may have used a state photo ID or driver’s license to board a plane. Now, you will have to have a REAL ID or valid federal ID, like a passport or military ID. This goes for any federal facility that requires ID, like some federal buildings and military bases.

REAL ID is a regular state photo ID or driver’s license, except there’s a star in the upper right-hand corner (If you don’t have a star on your ID, you don’t have REAL ID).

Here is a breakdown on everything you need to know about REAL ID.

When does REAL ID go into effect?

REAL ID goes into effect May 7, 2025.

After that date, federal agencies like TSA will only accept REAL ID or valid federal ID (like a passport). After that date, you will no longer be able to board a domestic flight with a state photo ID or driver’s license that isn’t REAL ID compliant.

Who can get REAL ID?

Any U.S. citizen — or noncitizen with lawful immigration documents — who can prove their identity, citizenship, and place of residence.

Undocumented immigrants are not able to get REAL ID. If you are undocumented, you can start the process of getting your immigration papers from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can find more information on getting a REAL ID as a noncitizen here.

What documents do you need to get REAL ID?

You will need the following documents to get REAL ID. All documents have to be originals, certified copies won’t be accepted. You’ll need:

  1. One document that proves identity and citizenship.

    1. U.S. birth certificate (including U.S. territories), U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or valid immigration documents that prove your identity and citizenship.

  2. Two documents that prove residency.

    1. State photo ID or driver’s license, vehicle registration card, auto insurance card, utility bill showing your name and address, W-2 form, tax records, and lease agreements or mortgage documents.

  3. Your Social Security Number.

    1. You have to have your original Social Security card. The name on your Social Security card has to match the name on your proof of identity documents. If you don’t have a Social Security card or need to replace it, visit ssa.gov/ssnumber. If you do not have a social security number, you must provide an original copy of your Social Security ineligibility letter.

You can check if your documents are valid through PennDOT’s online REAL ID Document Check here.

How to get REAL ID

There are two ways to get a REAL ID — online or in-person.

  1. Online: If you got your first state ID after September 2003, PennDOT might already have your required documents on file. You can check by completing a REAL ID pre-verification request here. If it is, you can apply for REAL ID online here.

  2. In-person: If PennDOT doesn’t have your required documents on file, you apply in person. Bring the required documents to a local Driver’s License Center to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days or a REAL ID Center to receive same-day service.

Cost of Real ID in Pennsylvania

A Real ID costs $30, similar to other driver’s licenses fees.

Still need help? Check out our complete guide on getting government ID in Pennsylvania, including REAL ID.