Berks driver license centers hosting 2 Real ID events before deadline
With less than two weeks to the enforcement deadline, the PennDOT driver license centers in Exeter and Cumru townships will be open on two upcoming Mondays to exclusively process Real IDs.
State officials have been scheduling special hours at centers to help residents obtain a Real ID before the May 7 enforcement deadline.
At that point, anyone flying domestically will need the Real ID-compliant state ID or driver license or approved identification, such as a passport. Real ID's have a gold star in the upper right corner.
The centers at 4375 Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter Township and at 530 E. Lancaster Ave. in Cumru Township will be open April 28 and May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for Real ID processing only.
Those centers also will be open May 12 — after the enforcement deadline — from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for Real ID processing only.
The Real ID Days are held on Mondays when the centers are typically closed. The centers will still be open during their normal hours and people can also get a Real ID or conduct other driver license business during those regular hours.
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a Real ID-compliant license/identification card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board domestic commercial flights, enter a military base and enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID.
If you're not sure if a Real ID is right for you, the state has a tool that can help at bit.ly/IsRealID4me.
Remember, a passport is still needed for international travel.
Federal Real ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the following documents:
• Proof of identity: Examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
• Proof of Social Security number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security number): Examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form or a pay stub.
• Two proofs of current, physical PA address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver's license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.
• Proof of all legal name changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the county court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county's family court.
Note: If your current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.
Officials noted some states require residents to obtain a Real ID, while Pennsylvania has made it optional. They said this week about 27% of Pennsylvania residents have obtained a Real ID.
More information about Real ID document requirements can be found on PennDOT's Real ID website.
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