General questions
REAL ID is a federal law that sets security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards used for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities.
REAL ID is optional. You only need one if you want to use your PA driver's license or ID card to:
- Board a domestic flight.
- Enter a military base.
- Access federal buildings requiring identification.
If you have a passport, military ID, or another federally accepted ID, you do not need a REAL ID.
You can find a list of acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel on the TSA website. Make sure your ID is current and bring it with you when you travel. Check the TSA website before your trip to confirm your ID is still accepted.
Federal enforcement starts May 7, 2025. After this date, standard PA driver's licenses and ID cards that read “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” will not be accepted for federal purposes.
Yes. You can apply for a REAL ID at any time, even after the enforcement date.
A REAL ID looks like a standard driver's license or identification card but includes a gold star in the top right corner.
Children under 18 do not need a REAL ID when traveling with a companion within the U.S. The companion must have acceptable identification.
No. While REAL ID has additional federal security requirements, non-REAL ID licenses are produced using the same security features.
No. You do not need a REAL ID to:
- Drive.
- Vote.
- Access hospitals.
- Visit the post office.
- Access federal courts.
- Apply for or receive federal benefits.
- Access National Parks and museums.
Yes. REAL ID brochures are available in the following languages:
- Arabic
- Bengali
- Cambodian
- French
- German
- Gujarati
- Haitian Creole
- Italian
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Nepalese
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
If you speak another language, free language assistance services are available. Call 717-412-5300 to get help. Learn more about language assistance services.
Applying for REAL ID
Most applicants will need to go in-person to get a REAL ID.
You may be eligible if you received your first PA driver’s license, permit, or photo ID after September 2003 and your documents are already on file with PennDOT.
- REAL ID Centers issue REAL IDs same day.
- Driver License Centers verify your documents, but your REAL ID will be mailed within 15 business days.
- One-time $30 REAL ID fee
- Standard renewal fees apply (e.g., a driver's license renewal is $39.50)
For example, if requesting a REAL ID and license renewal while renewing your license, you'll need to pay a total of $69.50 (the $30 REAL ID fee plus the $39.50 standard license renewal fee).
After your REAL ID expires, you can renew every four years without extra fees for REAL ID.
Your first REAL ID will be valid for your current license term plus four years. After that, you’ll renew it like a regular license.
Required documents
You must provide:
- One proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate)
- One proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 in current legal name showing all 9 digits of the Social Security number)
- Two proofs of Pennsylvania residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Some applicants may need additional documents (e.g., name changes, non-U.S. citizens).
If your name is different from your birth certificate or passport, you must provide legal proof, such as:
- Certified marriage certificate
- Court order for name change
- Amended birth certificate from the Office of Vital Records
No. PennDOT does not accept online document uploads. If your documents are on file, you may qualify for online pre-verification.
Changes to REAL ID
Once you have obtained your first REAL ID in Pennsylvania, all future driver's license renewals will automatically be REAL ID-compliant unless you choose to opt out. There are no additional fees beyond the standard renewal fee, and no additional documents are required. You can renew online, by mail, or in person.
You can update your information when applying for your REAL ID. If you need to change your address later, follow the same process as updating a standard driver’s license.
Troubleshooting and support
PennDOT will notify you of the reason. Common issues include:
- Missing or incorrect documents.
- Name mismatches between documents.
- Issues verifying lawful status.
If denied, you may need to provide additional documents or visit a REAL ID Center for assistance.