Another REAL ID event scheduled for Monday in Meadville
REAL ID Days continue to draw strong turnout, with nearly 10,000 REAL IDs issued during each of the past four events, state officials said.
'REAL ID Days help ensure we are meeting the needs of Pennsylvanians and delivering the best possible customer service to them,' said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. 'For those who choose to get a REAL ID, we're dedicated to making the REAL ID process as convenient as possible.'
While getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to get one. A REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) is required to board domestic commercial flights, enter a military base or enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID.
A valid passport is still required for international travel.
REAL ID Days are held on Mondays when the centers are typically closed. During these events, centers will be exclusively processing REAL IDs to help Pennsylvanians obtain a REAL ID. 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 that time. For a complete list of REAL ID Days events, visit PennDOT's website.
Pennsylvanians can also still get a REAL ID if they decide its right for them. REAL ID products are a permanent part of PennDOT's services.
Customers can visit driver license centers for numerous transactions other than REAL ID, and while some services do require an in-person visit, many online services are available at pa.gov/dmv. Some common transactions customers can complete online include change of address for non-commercial license and ID card holders, renewal and duplicates of non-commercial driver licenses and ID cards, paying a driver license restoration fee, and obtaining driver history records and restoration requirement letters. There are no additional fees for using online services.
Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents to issue a REAL ID:
• 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 Pennsylvania 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 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.
After customers present the proper documentation and pay the applicable fee, they may obtain a REAL ID-compliant product by:
• Receiving the product in the mail within 15 days if application was made at a Driver License Center.
• Receiving the product over the counter, if application was made at one of PennDOT's 15 REAL ID compliant Driver License Centers.
Customers who received their first Pennsylvania driver's license, learner's permit or photo ID card after Sept. 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documentation on file with PennDOT. These customers can apply for REAL ID pre-verification and order their REAL ID online.
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