Travel Pro: How to Get Your Real ID in Pennsylvania

The May 7, 2025, deadline for Pennyslvania’s Real ID-compliant driver’s license is fast approaching—and that means something to travelers. This new form of identification will be needed to fly domestically and enter some military buildings, with a few caveats. While we are not the expert on this new form of identification, we want you, our BNT travelers, to be ready. We’ve collected the information you need to get started and provide links to the PA.GOV Real ID pages throughout this blog. Simply click on the highlighted word. But, first…

Is Real ID required of all persons?

First, the Real ID-compliant driver’s license is optional. Second, if you have a valid U.S. passport, you can use this in place of a Real ID to fly domestically and enter military bases.

What is Real ID?

“The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed by Congress after Sept. 11, 2001, that establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like entering a federal building or boarding a domestic commercial flight. Enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins on May 7, 2025. (“Real ID Frequently Asked Questions,” pa.gov, 4/3/2025.)”

When will I use a Real ID-compliant driver’s license?

A Real ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, to do the following:

Board domestic commercial flights
Enter military bases
Access certain federal facilities requiring ID

However, remember, Real ID is optional, according to PA.gov. “You don’t have to obtain a REAL ID in Pennsylvania if you don’t want to. If you decide not to get a REAL ID, you’ll have to use a passport or military ID to fly within the country or enter government buildings after May 7, 2025.”

Where do I get my Real ID?

Real ID can be obtained at one of PennDot’s driver’s license centers. Find a location here. If you are pre-qualified, you may apply for a Real ID online.

You should know before you go (from PA.gov):

You’ll need specific identifying documents to obtain your PA Real ID.
- 1 Official identification, such as:
  - 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
- Proof of your Social Security Number. Here are options for this:
  - A Social Security card;
  - A W-2 form;
  - A SSA-1099 form;
  - A non-SSA-1099 form; or
  - A pay stub.
- Proof of Legal Name change
  - Please click on the link below to read if this will apply to you.
  - Click HERE for the official PA.GOV Real ID website with all of the details.

- Click HERE for a PA Real ID documents check list.

Special “Real ID Days” to get special attention:

Don’t Miss the following “Real ID Days” on Monday, April 7, 14, 28 and May 5, 2025, featuring “special dedicated time at the following driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID.” Click HERE to check the list of participating driver license centers.

Real ID FAQ

Click HERE for Real ID frequently asked questions.

Travel Pro: How to Get Your Real ID in Pennsylvania