by HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is hosting REAL ID Days today, May 12, 2025, at 57 driver’s license centers across the state. This initiative aims to help residents obtain federally compliant identification as part of ongoing efforts following the start of federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act.
REAL ID Day Event Details
The events are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and have already proven successful in helping Pennsylvanians secure their REAL IDs. PennDOT reports that nearly 10,000 REAL IDs were issued during each of the previous four REAL ID Days, and over 50,000 people have participated in these events to date.
“REAL ID Days are designed to meet the needs of Pennsylvanians by providing excellent customer service while helping them get the identification they need,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services, Kara Templeton.
Why You Need a REAL ID
Though obtaining a REAL ID is optional, approximately 3 million residents in Pennsylvania have opted to get one. As of now, a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable ID (like a valid passport or military ID) is required for:
- Boarding domestic commercial flights
- Entering a military base
- Accessing certain federal facilities requiring ID
For international travel, a valid passport is still mandatory.
What You Need to Get a REAL ID
To apply for a REAL ID, residents must present specific documentation:
- Proof of Identity: A birth certificate (with a raised/embossed seal) or a valid U.S. passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: A Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub that displays your full nine-digit Social Security number.
- Proof of Current PA Address: A utility bill, vehicle registration, or an unexpired PA driver’s license.
- Proof of Legal Name Changes: If applicable, provide certified marriage certificates, court orders, or adoption decrees.
For a detailed list of acceptable documents, visit the PennDOT REAL ID website.
REAL ID Pricing and Renewal
The cost for a first-time REAL ID is $30, plus applicable renewal fees ($39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license and $42.50 for a photo ID). After the initial REAL ID, renewal fees apply, depending on your type of license.
Where to Get a REAL ID
REAL ID Days take place on Mondays when Driver’s License Centers are normally closed, exclusively for REAL ID processing. For additional services, centers remain open during regular hours. PennDOT also offers online services for certain transactions.
Customers applying for a REAL ID can either:
- Receive their product by mail within 15 days if applying at a Driver’s License Center.
- Receive it immediately over the counter at one of the 15 REAL ID-compliant centers.
Those who obtained a Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card after September 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documentation on file, making it possible to apply online.
For a full list of locations and more details, visit the PennDOT website or check out their REAL ID page.
