PennDOT is working to streamline the process of obtaining a REAL ID, the enhanced driver’s license that will soon be required for domestic air travel, among other things.
Throughout the months of March, April and May, PennDOT will host “REAL ID Days,” weekly events at various centers in Philadelphia and across the state where residents can get a REAL ID driver’s license prior to May 7.
Why is that important? Starting May 7, a REAL ID will be needed to board a domestic commercial flight and for federal or military buildings that require identification for entry. REAL ID licenses are not needed to drive, vote, or to enter a federal building that doesn’t currently require an ID to enter.
“As the weather starts getting warmer, we know many Pennsylvanians have made exciting travel plans,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in a news release. “With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, your travel planning should include making sure you have proper ID to fly. If you want to keep using your driver’s license or photo ID card to fly domestically, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID if you haven’t already.”
If you have air travel plans for late spring or early summer, you probably want to jump on this as soon as possible, as there have been reports of long lines at the city’s DMV offices already.
Who needs REAL ID?
Not everyone will need to have a REAL ID come May 7. Residents with a valid U.S. or foreign passport, U.S. passport card, permanent resident card, or U.S. military ID can use that documentation rather a REAL ID to travel. Residents planning to fly domestically prior to the May deadline will still be able to board their flights.
“REAL ID Days” began Feb. 24 and will continue through May 5 — two days before the May 7 deadline. Hours will start at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. Philadelphia residents have five such events — three in March and one each in April and May— to obtain a Real ID.
Here’s a list of dates at Philadelphia locations:
Monday, March 10
- Arch Street Driver License Center
Monday, March 17
- South 70th Street Driver License Center
Monday, March 24
- Whitman Plaza Driver License Center
Monday, April 14
- Lawndale Driver License Center
- Arch Street Driver License Center
- South 70th Street Driver License Center
- West Oak Lane Driver License Center
- Whitman Plaza Driver License Center
Monday, May 5
- Lawndale Driver License Center
- Arch Street Driver License Center
- South 70th Street Driver License Center
- West Oak Lane Driver License Center
- Whitman Plaza Driver License Center
In order to receive a REAL ID, residents must provide proof of identity and lawful status, proof of a valid Social Security Number and proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, a valid passport or passport card, a Social Security card, and a current Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID.
Here is a full list of acceptable documents.
What if I lack documentation?
Those without a birth certificate can reach out to their state or local Department of Health office to receive a new copy. If you are unable to get to an office, a birth certificate can be ordered online. The fee for a certificate is $20, with an additional $10 processing fee added if it’s ordered online.
Residents without a Social Security card don’t necessarily need a replacement card if they have a document — such as a W-2 form — with their Social Security number on it. However, those who want a replacement can request a free one through the Social Security Administration.
If your name, date of birth or gender designation is different from what is listed on the certificate, legal proof must be shown.
Acceptable documents include:
- Name change or date of birth change:
- Certified marriage certificate issued by Family Court for each marriage to track name changes
- Court order approving a change of legal name or date of birth
- Original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change of name
- Gender designation:
- A certified, amended birth certificate with a raised seal
- A completed DL-32 form
Those who have been married multiple times will need to show a marriage certificate for each married name. Divorce paperwork is only needed if you returned to your maiden name.
