Pennsylvanians will be able to get a REAL-ID compatable driver’s license as soon as the Spring of 2019, but those who want one can start to take steps now.
The REAL ID driver’s licenses have been a sticking point for Pennsylvanians for some years. Current driver’s licenses and state ID cards are not compliant with the Real ID law, and in October of 2020, those cards would not be acceptable forms of ID for entering federal buildings or getting on board commercial airplanes. Leslie Richards, the state Secretary for Transportation, is advising everyone to consider if having their ID converted to a REAL ID is right for them and if it is, start compiling the documents needed to make the transfer.
PennDOT says that they will have to verify several documents for the Real ID process, including:
- Proof of identity, like a birth certificate or valid U.S. Passport
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of legal name changes (like marriage licenses or court orders)
- And two proofs of your current physical address. (A current, unexpired PA license can be used, along with bank statements or utility bills that are less than 90 days old)
If you got your first driver’s license or ID card after September 2003, PennDOT already has copies of the required documents on file, and can request confirmation from PennDOT’s website, or they can call their call center or visit an authorized PennDOT agent. Once they get the confirmation, when they want to get their REAL ID, they can simply request it online, pay a one-time fee, and it will be mailed directly to them.
If you got your first license before September 2003, you will need to get the documents yourself and bring them to a driver’s license center to get them verified in person. Starting in September of 2018, you’ll be able to do that at any of PennDOT’s driver’s license centers.
As of right now, Pennsylvania is under an extension of the REAL ID enforcement until October 10th of 2018, and will continue to apply for extensions until they are fully compliant with the REAL ID law.
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