As the deadline for REAL ID-compliant identification to fly approaches, AAA East Central advises travelers to act swiftly to apply for identification that complies with the federal program.
Beginning on May 7, 2025, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access a federal facility, or enter a military base or a nuclear power plant. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.
“The deadline is less than six months away and will be here before we know it,” says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs, AAA East Central. “Anyone interested in applying for the compliant identification should get their documents in order now to avoid waiting in long lines later this year with other last-minute applicants.”
Pennsylvanians can obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card or a standard driver’s license or identification card. Anyone who upgrades to a REAL ID will pay a one-time fee of $30 and a renewal fee (currently $30.50 for a standard, non-commercial driver’s license). With the exception of anyone older than 65 who has opted for a two-year license, the expiration date on a new REAL ID will include any time left on a current product plus another four years.
Options for obtaining a REAL ID:
- Customers who have been pre-verified may order their REAL ID online, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days.
- Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and imaged. The REAL ID will be sent in the mail within 15 business days.
- Visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers statewide to have documents verified and imaged and receive a REAL ID on-site.
Anyone who received their first driver’s license or photo ID after September 2003 may be able to pre-verify for REAL ID. To determine if the required documents are on file with PennDOT, visit www.PennDOT.gov/REALID.
Federal regulations require that PennDOT must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product:
- Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).
- Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).
- Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificates or court orders approving a legal name change).
- Two proofs of current, physical PA address (examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or ID, a PA vehicle registration card, or a computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address).
While AAA East Central branch offices are not REAL ID centers, AAA Travel Advisors are on hand to discuss any questions members or the general public may have about the program. Additionally, travelers can consult PennDOT’s website with any questions regarding REAL ID.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 69 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.