REAL ID deadline extended.
Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 3, 2023. Read the announcement.
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Check for the star.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.
About enhanced driver's licenses.
Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only.
State-issued enhanced driver's licenses are marked with a flag. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.
It’s the law.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane. Learn more about REAL ID enforcement.
Additional questions may be sent to the Department of Homeland Security at .
Read these FAQs translated into various languages.
Are you REAL ID ready?
On May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Find out if you’re REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!
- Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility after May 3, 2023?
- Yes / Don't Know
- Does your Drivers License / ID have a star (and/or flag) or say "Enhanced"?
- Yes
You're REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.
- No
- Do you have a passport?
- Yes
A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.
- No
- Click here to see if you have one of these acceptable forms of identification that may also be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities (link will open in a new window). Do you have one of these?
- Yes
- These alternate forms of identification may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID at the airport to board domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.
- No
You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 3, 2023 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.
- No
You might not need a REAL ID. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.
Map out your path to REAL ID readiness by May 3, 2023.
Click on your home state or territory to make a plan with your local DMV to be REAL ID ready.
Select a state or territory:
REAL IDs are now available, and if you decide that REAL ID is right for you, there are proactive steps you can take now to ensure you are ready. PennDOT will need to verify your identity, your social security number, and your Pennsylvania residency, even if you already have a Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID card.
PennDOT's 75 Driver's License Centers are now equipped to verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID. The best thing you can do to prepare is to gather the below documents now and keep them in a safe place.
All documents MUST be original versions or certified copies (if applicable) — no photocopies will be accepted.
Want to make sure you have everything
you need? Download our printable REAL ID Document Checklist!
Proof of Identity and Lawful Status
You will need to provide ONE document proving your identity and your lawful status in the United States when applying for a REAL ID.
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, acceptable
documents include:
- A United States birth certificate with a raised seal, issued by an authorized government agency, including U.S. territories and Puerto Rico
- Please note: souvenir or hospital certificates will not be accepted — it must be an original or certified copy filed with a U.S. state or territory office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in your state of birth
- A valid, unexpired United States passport or passport card
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (USCIS Form N-560 or Form N-561)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-240, DS-Form 1350 or FS-Form 545)
- Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS (Form N-550 or N-570)
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) issued by DHS; Forms I-766 or Form 1-688B
- Valid, Unexpired Permanent Resident Card I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Issued by DHS or INS
- Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed, and an I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent residence
If you do not have your birth certificate in your possession, you need to contact your state or county Department of Health office in the state of your birth and request an original or certified copy. Some states may take up to six months to process duplicate birth certificates, so it is advisable to begin this process right away.
- View information for Vital Records at the PA Department of Health
- View contact information for health departments in other states
Some non-U.S. citizens may be required to provide additional information. Additional information for non-U.S. citizens can be found
here.
Proof of Social Security Number
You must present your social security card when applying for a REAL ID. Your card must be original.
The name on your social security card MUST MATCH the name on your proof of identity document.
If you can't find your social security card, you can get a replacement card from the Social Security Administration at no cost, and you may qualify to order a replacement card online. Visit the Social Security Administration's website for details and information on obtaining a replacement card. If you need to visit a Social Security office to obtain a replacement card, use this tool to find the location nearest you.
If you do not have a social
security number, you must provide an original copy of your SSA ineligibility letter.
Proof of your Pennsylvania Residency
You will need to provide TWO documents to prove your Pennsylvania residency when applying for a REAL ID. Examples of acceptable residency documents include:
- Current, unexpired PA driver's license or photo ID card
- PA vehicle registration card
- Auto insurance card
- A computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address
- A W-2 form
- Tax records
- Lease agreements or mortgage documents
Proof of Legal Name or Date of Birth Change
If your current legal name or date of birth is different from the information on your birth certificate or legal status document, you must show legal proof of the change. Please note: If you are using a passport as your proof of identity and your passport reflects your current name, YOU DO NOT NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF NAME CHANGE.
If you have been married more than once, you need to show a marriage certificate that shows the transition between names. You do NOT need to show divorce paperwork UNLESS you returned to your maiden name.
For additional information on name changes, visit our Name Change Information page.
Acceptable
documents supporting a change include:
- Name change or date of birth change:
- Certified marriage certificate(s) for each marriage to track name changes, issued by your county's family court
- Court order approving a change of legal name or date of birth
- Original or certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing a change of name
- Gender designation:
- A certified, amended birth certificate with a raised seal
- A completed DL-32 form (PDF)