In Pennsylvania, a deadline has been set that requires people to have a REAL ID. The REAL ID concept has been known for years with an indefinite deadline set for a long time. However, Pennsylvania has set its deadline for the state, requiring people to have a REAL ID by May 7th. Technically, the identification update is optional; however, if you plan to fly on a domestic, commercial flight, to enter a military base, or to go inside any federal facility, a REAL ID will be required.
This final deadline comes after countless delays.
For now, the REAL ID will continue to be optional for flying and getting into federal facilities as long as a person can show a valid passport or military ID. If you do not have a passport, military ID, or the REAL ID, you will not be able to fly, even on a domestic flight, as of May 7. Officials made the announcement of the deadline just over two months in advance, 64 days to be exact. They have said that this is plenty of time to comfortably obtain a REAL ID if you have not already done so. Nonetheless, officials advise to act fast rather than waiting until the last minute.
They advise getting the REAL ID for convenience.
Even though there are other options, having a REAL ID will make domestic travel easier. It is still required to have a passport for international travel, but for domestic flights it will be easier to merely have your proper ID rather than have to bring your passport. This is especially true in the early, transitioning period of time. In the beginning of the REAL ID requirement days, there is a high chance you may forget your passport for a domestic flight, since it has never been required before. However, if you update your driver’s license or your ID card to the REAL ID, you will almost certainly have it on you, since you will be used to bringing your ID.
When is a REAL ID not required?
You do not need the REAL ID in order to drive, vote, get into hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts, or in order to apply for and/or receive federal benefits. If you are someone who only ever uses an ID at these points, then you will not need to upgrade to the REAL ID. But if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, having the REAL ID will be helpful.
What is needed to get the REAL ID?
In order to get your REAL ID, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of social security number, and two forms of proof of residence in Pennsylvania (must be a current and physical address). You will also need proof of any legal name changes, if you have ever had one. If you are a non-U.S. citizen you are still eligible for a REAL ID, but there are additional documents you will need to provide. These documents will be verified by the PennDOT in order to issue you the ID. There will be REAL ID days held at driver’s license centers around the state to assist with the application process.
