08-04-2025
Pennsylvania has a really low Real ID adoption rate
Pennsylvanians are flocking to get their Real ID before it's required for domestic flights and access to some federal facilities like courthouses and military bases.
Why it matters: The Real ID is the key to the universe: You won't be able to fly out of Philly International Airport without it, unless you have a valid passport.
The big picture: The Real ID deadline is May 7. More residents are scrambling to meet it, PennDot spokesperson Aimee Inama tells Axios.
More than 122,700 residents got their Real ID in March, nearly twice as many as the previous month, per PennDOT.
But only 26% of Pennsylvania driver's license and state ID holders have upgraded so far.
The caveat: Real ID is optional, which helps explain the lower adoption rate.
How it works: Pennsylvania doesn't offer Real ID appointments.
But people who received a state driver's license, learner's permit or state ID card after September 2003 can complete a pre-verification document check and fill out an online application to receive their Real ID.
Expect to wait at least 15 business days to receive it in the mail.
Alternatively, you can get a Real ID on the spot after your documents are verified — but only at one of the state's 15 same-day locations.
