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Federal REAL ID enforcement begins Oct. 1

HARRISBURG — PennDOT is reminding state residents that the REAL ID enforcement will begin in October, and those interested in receiving a REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards should apply with plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the enforcement date

The ID will be needed for commercial domestic air travel and other federal purposes.

To date PennDOT has issued approximately 1.1 million REAL ID products.

REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires federally acceptable ID upon entry. A federally acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used for these purposes on and after Oct. 1.

There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.

For a full list of driver license centers and their services, visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

More information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.