A REAL ID-COMPLIANT NONCOMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE | COURTESY PA.GOV

[Updated May 6, 2025: Kristi Noem, head of Homeland Security, told a Congressional panel on Tuesday, May 6, that passengers without Real IDs can still fly for now, but should be prepared to take extra steps to get through security.]

Circle May 7 on the calendar. If you plan to fly anywhere in the U.S. after that date or even enter a military base or federal building, you’ll most likely need a REAL ID to do that.

If you don’t have a REAL ID by then, you’ll need either a valid U.S. passport or military ID to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.

The original deadline to obtain a REAL ID on your driver’s license or ID cards was established as October 2020, but that date has been extended several times due to COVID-19 and other issues.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ordered that people have these specially encrypted cards after fake IDs were used in the 9/11 attacks.

Customers can visit any PennDOT REAL ID center or PennDOT Driver License Center and bring all required documents to receive their REAL ID. Pre-verified customers can apply online to receive their REAL IDs.

The following documents are required when applying for the REAL ID: an original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport, proof of a Social Security Number, two proofs of a current Pennsylvania address (valid driver’s license, utility bill, auto insurance card, etc.) and proof of all legal name changes, only if applicable.

Non-U.S. citizens can visit PennDOT’s REAL ID Information for non-U.S. Citizens page to learn more about required documents.

If time is getting short and you need same-day counter service, the Real ID Center in Bridgeville at 1025 Washington Pike (Route 50) is one of 14 such locations across the state.

To learn more about the REAL ID customers can visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID.