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    REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions

    The REAL ID Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005, requires changes to state standards, procedures, and requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards, if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This page is updated frequently; please check back often for additional information as it becomes available.

    What is REAL ID?

    The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed by Congress after Sept. 11, 2001, that establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like entering a federal building or boarding a domestic commercial flight. Enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins on May 7, 2025.

     

    When will REAL IDs be available in Pennsylvania?

    REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvanians who want them.

     

    When do I need to get a REAL ID, if I don't have a passport and want to use my PA driver's license or ID card to board a domestic flight?

    Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card or an acceptable alternative identification as approved by TSA (such as a passport) to board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal facility without a secondary form of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved identification.

     

    Can I board a plane with the license I have now?

    Yes. Current PennDOT-issued driver's licenses and identification cards will remain acceptable identification for boarding domestic commercial flights until May 7, 2025. After that date, Pennsyvlanians will need a REAL ID or another acceptable alternative identification as approved by TSA (such as a passport).

    For additional information on identification accepted by TSA, visit their website or call 866-289-9673.

     

    I have a valid passport. Do I need to get a REAL ID?

    You certainly are welcome to get a REAL ID, but since your passport is sufficient identification to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a secure federal building after May 7, 2025, we recommend you wait until your license or ID card comes up for normal renewal and avoid the initial rush.

     

    I am a CDL holder with a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Will I be able to use that to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility after May 7, 2025?

    A valid, unexpired TWIC card are currently on TSA's list of acceptable identification for boarding. Information about TWIC cards can be found on TSA's website.

    For more information, visit our REAL ID for CDL Holders page.

     

    Why did PennDOT wait so long to begin the REAL ID process?

    Until May 2017, Pennsylvania law prohibited PennDOT from complying with the federal REAL ID Act. Act 3 of 2017 repealed this prior legislation and allowed PennDOT to seek REAL ID compliance. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards are now available to customers who want them. 

     

    Will the non-REAL ID driver's license or ID card be less secure?

    No. While processes and procedures required by DHS to issue a REAL ID card differ from standard-issued cards, the non-REAL ID cards are produced using the same security features.

     

    Do I have to get a REAL ID?

    No, REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents. You can to get either a REAL ID driver's license or identification card, or a standard driver's license or identification card. If you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or another federally approved identification, you may use this as your form of identification to pass a TSA checkpoint at airports nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installations at any time.

     

    Why would I want a REAL ID?

    A federally accepted identification (whether it's a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver's license or identification card, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, military ID, etc.) must be used as your identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building on and after May 7, 2025. 

    If you want to use your Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID as identification for these purposes, you may want to consider getting a REAL ID when they're available. Our REAL ID online wizard may help you decide if and when to get a REAL ID. If you know you will not be boarding a commercial flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base after May 7, 2025 or if you have a valid passport, you do not need a REAL ID.

     

    Do I need a REAL ID to drive?

    You do not need a REAL ID driver's license or identification card to do any of the following:

    • Drive
    • Vote
    • Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans' Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
    • Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office)
    • Access a hospital or receive life-saving services
    • Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)

     

    Where will I be able to get a REAL ID?

    Customers who want a REAL ID have three options to obtain one:

    Please note that standalone photo centers are NOT able to perform REAL ID transactions, per federal regulations. 

     

    How much does the REAL ID cost?

    You will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus a renewal fee (current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license or $42.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of the initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on your current license or ID card, plus an additional four years, unless you are over 65 and have a two-year license. 

    This expiration date structure means that you won’t “lose” time that you've already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product.

     

    I have a CDL and want to upgrade to a REAL ID, but my commercial endorsements make my renewal fee more expensive. Do I have to renew when I get a REAL ID, or can I get a duplicate instead?

    Yes, CDL customers may choose to opt into REAL ID and receive a duplicate product rather than renewing. 

    For more information, visit our REAL ID for CDL Holders page.

     

    I have a CDL. If I'm pre-verified, can I apply for REAL ID online? 

    CDL holders are currently NOT eligible to apply for REAL ID online - you must apply in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center.

     

    If I've recently renewed my license, do I have to pay to renew my license and pay again to get a REAL ID?

    It is optional and voluntary to change your current license to a REAL ID. However, if you choose to get a REAL ID when they are available, your REAL ID expiration date will reflect any remaining time on your current license, plus four years - you will not "lose" any time that you've already paid for. 

     

    Will my REAL ID license or ID card look different?

    The visible difference is that a REAL ID-compliant product is marked with a gold star. REAL ID products are produced using the same security features as standard-issued products.

    After March 2019, standard-issue, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different. Per federal REAL ID regulations, non-REAL IDs must be clearly labeled with the words "Not for REAL ID Purposes." 

    Below are examples of what REAL ID and standard-issue products look like, and additional images can be found on our Images page:

    REAL ID-Compliant Non-Commercial Driver's License REAL-ID Compliant Driver's License
    Standard-Issue (Non-Compliant) Non-Commercial Driver's License Standard-Issue (Non-Compliant) Non-Commercial Driver's License

    What documents will I need to obtain a REAL ID?

    When you apply for a REAL ID (which will not be available until March 2019), U.S. citizens will need to present original versions or certified copies (if applicable) of the following documents, per federal regulations. These documents can be taken to any PennDOT Driver License Center for pre-verification:

    • Proof of Identity
      • Examples: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised/embossed seal (not a sticker) or valid U.S. Passport
        *Please note that hospital or commemorative certificates are not acceptable
    • Proof of Social Security Number - proof must display current legal name and full nine (9) digits of the Social Security Number
      • A Social Security card;
      • A W-2 form;
      • A SSA-1099 from;
      • A non-SSA-1099 form; or
      • A pay stub;
    • Proof of all Legal Name Changes
      • Examples: Certified marriage certificate or court order issued by your county's family court
        *Please note: You must show a complete name change history that links your birth certificate name to your current name. If you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card with your legal name, you may use that as your name change document.
    • Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address
      • Examples: Current, unexpired PA license or ID, PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card,  utility bill with the same name and address

    For more information about documents required for REAL ID and for documentation requirements for non-U.S. citizens, visit our REAL ID Document Check page.

     

    Do I need to bring in my REAL ID documents again to renew my Photo ID or Driver's License?

    Unless you have been contacted directly by PennDOT to bring in additional documentation, there is no need to bring anything additional. You will renew the same as a standard-issued Photo ID or Driver's License. However, if you are not visiting a REAL ID center, your product will be processed and mailed to you within 15 business days. Should you need a same-day issued product, you will need to visit a REAL ID Center. 

     

    How can I pre-verify for REAL ID?

    If you received your first Pennsylvania learner's permit, driver's license or photo ID after September 1, 2003, you are eligible to apply for REAL ID pre-verification online. Visit our Online Pre-Verification page for more information on this process.

     

    I have a laminated social security card. Is this acceptable for REAL ID?

    Yes, PennDOT will accept both unlaminated AND laminated social security cards for REAL ID. 

     

    I have a CDL and had to provide my birth certificate and proof of residency to PennDOT when I renewed. Does this mean I'm pre-verified for REAL ID?

    No, federal REAL ID regulations require that you present proof of identity, proof of social security number and proof of PA residency when applying for REAL ID. Even if you have provided this info to PennDOT for a CDL renewal, you will need to present it again to get a REAL ID.

    For more information, visit our REAL ID for CDL Holders page.

     

    I don't have my birth certificate, what do I do?

    If you do not have your birth certificate in your possession, you need to contact your state or county Department of Health office in the state of your birth and request an original or certified copy. Some states may take up to six months to process duplicate birth certificates, so it is advisable to begin this process right away.

     

    What if my name or date of birth is different from what is on my birth certificate or legal status document?

    If your current legal name or date of birth is different from the information on your birth certificate or legal status document, you must show legal proof of the change. Acceptable documents supporting a change include:

    • Name change or date of birth change:
      • Certified marriage certificate or divorce decree issued by the county where original document was issued. 
      • Court order approving a change of legal name or date of birth
      • Original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change of name
    • Gender designation:
      • A certified, amended birth certificate with a raised seal
      • A completed DL-32 form

    Please note: If you are using a passport as your proof of identity and your passport reflects your current name, YOU DO NOT NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF NAME CHANGE.

    Additional information on name changes and REAL ID can be found on the Name Changes web page. 

     

    I have been married more than once. Do I need to show documentation of each name change?

    If you have been married more than once, you need to show a marriage certificate that shows the transition between names. You do NOT need to show divorce paperwork UNLESS you returned to your maiden name and the divorce decree orders your name revert to that previous name.

    If you have a passport in your current married name and you use it as your main identity document, you do NOT need to show documentation of name changes.

     

    My social security card was not accepted at a driver license center when I attempted to request a REAL ID. Why?

    There are two common scenarios why a "card" from the Social Security Administration is rejected. First, the Social Security Administration product is a stub and not the actual card: PennDOT can only accept social security cards and not the stubs which were attached to the cards. The Social Security Card stub was intended to be used as a reference source to get a duplicate should the actual card ever be lost; it was not intended to be used as a form of identification. The Social Security Card we look for have certain features, columns/pillars on opposite sides of the card as well as the Social Security Administration's seal.

    Social Security Card

    The other common scenario is a name discrepancy. REAL ID requires that the Social Security card presented have the applicant's current, legal name on the card and that there are no other names not accounted for on the other presented identity documents. If a confirmation name or another unestablished name appears on the Social Security card and is not present on the proof of identity document (birth certificate or passport) we do require a legal documentation – such as a court order – reflecting the name change to be complaint with the federal REAL ID regulations. A middle initial on the Social Security card is not a problem if the first initial of your middle name is present on your proof of identity document (birth certificate or passport) or on a legal name change document; for example, if your birth certificate shows "John James Doe" and your social security card shows "John J. Doe," this is acceptable for the purposes of REAL ID verification.

    If you cannot locate your social security card, you should contact the Social Security Administration to apply for a replacement.

    If you need to update or correct your name on your social security card, please follow the instructions available on the Social Security Administration website.

     

    Will my child need a REAL ID to board a plane?

    TSA does not currently require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

     

    My name has changed since I opted in to REAL ID. How will this affect my REAL ID?

    REAL ID products must show your current, full legal name. Any changes to your name need to be added to our records and your REAL ID product reissued. Legal documentation showing the name change (i.e., a certified marriage certificate issued by a county court or a court order) along with an updated Social Security card showing your new legal name must be presented at a driver license center to record the name change and update your record. Please bring your current REAL ID along with you to the driver license center as it will be taken and voided; this is because individuals can only have one REAL ID product in their possession. A replacement license/ identification card will have to be generated with your new name. A new picture will need to be taken of you and a replacement fee charged to get you your new REAL ID product. If you need to update your social security card to reflect your new name, please visit the SSA's website to find out how to do so.

     

    Where can I learn more about REAL ID?

    To learn more about REAL ID, visit the Department of Homeland Security's website.