Pennsylvania's REAL ID program recertified by U.S. Department of Homeland Security
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pennsylvanians looking to fly domestically or access secure federal buildings can continue to use REAL ID thanks to a fresh stamp of federal approval.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Wednesday, June 11, that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration has recertified the commonwealth's REAL ID program as fully compliant with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.
The certification means PennDOT can continue to issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and photo identification cards. These IDs are required to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities and military bases. Federal law requires states to be recertified every three years to maintain compliance.
REAL ID has been an optional service in Pennsylvania since its rollout, and PennDOT continues to offer it to residents who want federally recognized identification. The recertification confirms that PennDOT's systems and practices meet the rigorous security standards required under federal law.
To get a REAL ID, residents must provide documents verifying their identity, Social Security number, Pennsylvania residency, and any legal name changes. A full list of accepted documents and application steps is available at www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID.
There is a one-time $30 fee to obtain a REAL ID, in addition to the standard renewal cost. Once issued, future renewals of the ID do not include additional REAL ID-related fees.
PennDOT offers two options for applying: residents can visit one of 15 REAL ID Centers for same-day issuance or apply at a driver license center to receive their ID by mail within 15 days.
Residents who received their first Pennsylvania license or ID after Sept. 1, 2003, may already have the necessary documentation on file and can apply online for pre-verification.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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