Pennsylvania REAL ID: What You Need to Know

After May 3, 2023, your Pennsylvania driver’s license must be REAL ID-compliant if you want to board domestic flights.
Written by Melanie Johnson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Starting on May 3, 2023, you’ll only be able to use your Pennsylvania driver’s license to board a domestic flight if it’s a REAL ID that is compliant with the 2005 REAL ID Act. 
Your Pennsylvania driver’s license is an important form of identification—and as of 2023, it’s due for an upgrade to make it REAL ID-compliant.
Sound confusing? Don’t worry—
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Keep reading for everything you need to know about REAL IDs in Pennsylvania. Plus, we'll provide some tips to save you money on
Pennsylvania car insurance
.

What is REAL ID?

After 9/11, everyone started to take security more seriously. In 2005, at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the
REAL ID Act
to establish new standards for ID documents
These ID documents include driver’s licenses. The rollout has been slow (13 years), but the act is set to finally go into effect in 2023

Who needs a REAL ID?

Starting on May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required in order to: 
  • Enter a military base
  • Enter some federal facilities 
  • Board commercial aircraft (including domestic flights)
While the first two situations may not affect you very much, if you want to continue using your Pennsylvania driver’s license to board domestic flights, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license by spring 2023. 
Keep in mind that getting a REAL ID in Pennsylvania is optional. You’ll still be able to use other documents to board a flight, even if you don’t get a REAL ID by the deadline. For a full list of acceptable documentation, check out the
TSA website
Key Takeaway The REAL ID Act takes effect in 2023 and sets new standards for identification documents.
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How to get a Pennsylvania REAL ID

To upgrade to a REAL ID in Pennsylvania, follow these simple steps: 
  • Complete an online
    pre-verification process
    . If you qualify, you may be able to order a REAL ID online—no need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)!
  • Use the Pennsylvania DMV’s
    document checklist
    to gather all the necessary paperwork for your REAL ID, including identification and proof of residence.
  • Visit any PennDOT REAL ID center
    to have your documents verified, and you’ll receive your REAL ID within 15 business days.
If you’re upgrading your current driver’s license to a REAL ID-compliant one, you’ll need to pay a one-time $30 fee, plus a $30.50 renewal fee. 

How to save money on car insurance in Pennsylvania

REAL ID-compliant driver’s license? Check. Now you need an affordable
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