REAL IDs being issued again in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The issuing of REAL IDs has been resumed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

PennDOT paused REAL ID issuance throughout the state in March because of COVID-19, but is now happening again at reopened Driver License Centers offering driver license services.

Enforcement of REAL ID will start Oct. 1, 2021 -- pushed back a year by the federal Department of Homeland Security in response to the pandemic.

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REAL ID is optional. However, starting Oct. 1, 2021, a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card or a military ID will be required to board a commercial flight or enter a federal building.

People can obtain a REAL ID by presenting documents for verification and processing at any driver license center. Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify the below documents:

• Proof of Identity: Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. Passport.
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social security card, in current legal name.
• Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address.
• Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include a certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics. If current name is the same as what is reflected on proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), a customer does not need to show proof of legal name changes.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

What Is REAL ID? What Is REAL ID?

Cox Media Group