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    REAL ID

    Starting May 7, 2025, a federally accepted form of identification — such as a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or military ID — will be required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.

    Apply for REAL ID

    What is REAL ID?

    REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver's licenses and ID cards to be acceptable for federal purposes.

    Do you need a REAL ID?

    REAL ID is optional. If you don’t get one, you’ll need another federally accepted ID, such as a passport or military ID, to board flights and enter certain federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

    You need a REAL ID to:

    • Board domestic commercial flights.
    • Enter a military base.
    • Enter a federal facility that requires federally acceptable ID at the door.

    You do NOT need REAL ID to:

    • Drive.
    • Vote.
    • Access hospitals.
    • Visit the post office.
    • Access federal courts.
    • Apply for or receive federal benefits.
    Take our quiz to see if REAL ID is right for you

    How do I get a REAL ID?

    How you get REAL ID depends on your situation. Choose the path that best fits you.

    I’m renewing my driver’s license and want to get a REAL ID at the same time

    You can request a REAL ID during your renewal by paying the one-time $30 REAL ID fee plus your standard renewal fee. Your renewal will be processed automatically. If you haven’t been pre-verified, you must visit a Driver License Center in person to have your documents vetted, imaged, and verified.

    Renew your license and get a REAL ID

    I want a REAL ID now (separate from my ID renewal)

    You do not have to wait until your renewal to get a REAL ID. You’ll pay the one-time $30 REAL ID fee plus your standard renewal fee. Your new REAL ID will include the remaining time on your current license plus an additional four years. Your expiration date will be extended accordingly.

    Apply for REAL ID

    I’m a non-U.S. citizen and need a REAL ID

    Additional documentation may be required based on immigration status.

    Learn about REAL ID for non-U.S. citizens

    I have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and need a REAL ID

    CDL holders must apply in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center.

    Learn about CDL REAL ID requirements

    What do I need to apply?

    To get a REAL ID, you must provide:

    • One document proving identity and lawful status.
    • One document proving your Social Security number.
    • Two documents proving your Pennsylvania residency.

    Some applicants need additional documents, including non-U.S. citizens, CDL holders, and those updating their name or date of birth.

    Review the list of acceptable documents

    When does REAL ID enforcement begin?

    Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. Enforcement begins in:

    What does REAL ID look like?

    A REAL ID looks like a standard driver's license or identification card but includes a gold star in the top right corner.

    View sample driver’s licenses and photo cards