Real ID

Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2021, to May 7, 2025, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration.

Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.

Getting a REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents, and they will be available in March 2019 to Pennsylvanians who want them.

Customers may bring their REAL ID documentation into any PennDOT driver license center for pre-verification. Then, when REAL IDs are available in March 2019, customers can apply for their REAL ID online — no need to come back to the driver license center! To learn more about what documents you’ll need to present, visit our REAL ID Document Check page.

The chart below shows the difference between a standard ID or driver’s license, and a REAL ID: