The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) states that obtaining a REAL ID requires two visits to a PennDOT Driver License Center and can take up to 15 minutes per visit.
The first visit to PennDOT will require submitting all required identity and residency documents. Customers are encouraged to use PennDOT’s PEnnDOT’s Pre-verification Document Checklist to make sure you have all of the necessary documents.
After submitting the documents, the customer’s information will be entered into PennDOT’s system and a temporary document will be issued.
The second visit is to return the temporary document and obtain the physical REAL ID. This visit usually takes 15 minutes. During this visit, customers must also have their thumbprint taken and a photo taken for the REAL ID.
During both visits, customers must provide their Social Security Number and pass a vision screening.
Overall, it will take up to 30 minutes, over two visits, in order to get REAL ID in Pennsylvania.
Table of Contents
Can I get a PA ID same day?
Unfortunately, you cannot get a Pennsylvania identification card the same day. In order to obtain a PA Identification card, you must follow a few steps.
First, you must make an appointment with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office and bring the necessary documents, such as your Social Security card and proof of U. S. citizenship or lawful presence.
You will also need to bring proof of your Pennsylvania residency – such as an utility bill, a lease or other documents. Once you have the necessary documents, you will be able to head to the PennDOT office to get your photo taken and to fill out the application.
After filling out all the necessary paperwork, PennDot will process your information, which can take up to two to four weeks. Once you receive your completed Pennsylvania ID card, it will be valid for 15 years.
It could take up to two to four weeks or longer from the initial visit to PennDOT to receive your Pennsylvania ID, so you will not be able to receive your card the same day.
Can you fly out of PA without a REAL ID?
Yes, it is possible to fly out of a Pennsylvania airport without a REAL ID. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification will need to present an alternative form of identification that is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) when boarding a domestic flight.
Examples of acceptable IDs include a passport, passport card, Permanent Resident Card, TSA-issued Secure Flight Card, or a driver’s license issued by a state that does not meet REAL ID requirements. Passengers should check with the state or federal government to ensure they are in possession of a valid ID that complies with TSA security requirements and is accepted at the airport they are departing from.
What do I need to take with me to get a REAL ID in PA?
In order to get a REAL ID in the state of Pennsylvania, you will need to bring a few key items with you.
First, you will need to bring proof of identity. This can be in the form of a valid passport, certified copy of your birth certificate, permanent resident card, or military ID. You will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your Social Security card or W-2 form that displays your social security number.
Second, you will need two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address. These will generally be in the form of utility bills, rental/lease agreement, or a letter from your employer on official letterhead.
Additionally, you may need to provide proof of any name changes in the form of a marriage certificate or court order.
When you go to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office to apply for the REAL ID, make sure you bring your documents in original or certified copy form along with any applicable fees.
Can you get your license immediately in PA?
Unfortunately, you cannot get your license immediately in Pennsylvania. New applicants must be at least 16 years and 6 months old, have had a learner’s permit for at least six months, and have completed at least 65 hours of supervised driving.
An additional 20 hours of nighttime driving (between sunset and sunrise) must be completed as well. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you must pass both the written and road tests to obtain your license.
These tests must be taken at an authorized PennDOT location and you must bring proof of identity and residency. If you fail either test, you must wait a full seven days before you can retake it. Once your tests have been successfully completed, you will be issued your new license.
Can you get a temporary ID in PA?
Yes, you can get a temporary ID in Pennsylvania. To get a temporary ID, you must go to a PennDOT Driver License Center with the required documents and payment for the cost of the temporary ID. The documents you will need are proof of identification, such as a valid unexpired driver’s license, non-driver ID, passport, or birth certificate; proof of residency such as a lease, utility bill, or credit card statement; proof of Social Security number such as a Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub; and two forms of payment (cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards).
The cost for a temporary ID is $13 and is valid for 15 days. A temporary ID is only issued for special circumstances, such as if you need to prove your identity for a job or maybe you’re waiting to get your permanent ID in the mail.
When can I get a photo ID in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you can get a photo ID from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). A valid ID for proof of identity must include your name, photograph, signature, and a verifiable birth date.
Proof can include a valid U. S. passport, a birth certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. PennDOT also issues REAL ID-compliant identification cards, which can be used to travel within the U. S.
and serve as an accepted form of ID for federal purposes such as entering a federal building or boarding a domestic flight. To obtain a photo ID, you will need to fill out a PennDOT application form, provide proof of identity and proof of Pennsylvania residency, and pay an application fee.
Depending on the type, you may also need to have your photograph taken at a Driver License Center. For more information on PennDOT Identification Cards, visit PennDOT’s website.
Can you get an ID at the local post office?
Yes, you can get an identification card from your local post office. Post offices typically offer a variety of identity cards, such as state-issued driver’s licenses, government-issued ID cards and passports.
Depending on the post office, you may need to bring in proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, to show that you are eligible to receive an ID. You may also need to fill out an application form and pay any applicable fees.
Please contact your local post office to find out what identity cards they offer and what documentation and fees may be required.
What is the difference between PA driver’s license and REAL ID?
The main differences between a Pennsylvania driver’s license and a Pennsylvania REAL ID are the requirements needed to receive each and the purpose they serve. A Pennsylvania driver’s license is necessary to legally operate motor vehicles within the state and is issued to any Pennsylvania resident who passes the necessary tests and meets the applicable residency requirements.
A Pennsylvania REAL ID, however, is a specialized driver’s license or identification card that has been issued in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005. It is considerably more secure than a regular driver’s license, and it provides proof of identity and U.
S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence in the United States in order to access certain federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircrafts. In order to receive a Pennsylvania REAL ID, residents must present a birth certificate, Social Security card, and two different proofs of their physical address, such as a utility bill or tax return.
Additionally, a Pennsylvania REAL ID must be renewed every eight years.
Is REAL ID extended in PA?
Yes, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has recently announced that it is extending the validity of all PennDOT-issued driver’s licenses, photo ID cards, and learner’s permits that expire in 2020.
This extension applies to both REAL ID and Non-REAL ID products. PennDOT indicated that those REAL ID items that had already expired will remain valid for an additional 90 days, and all new REAL IDs will expire either one year from their issue date or in December 2022, whichever is later.
Additionally, those PennDOT-issued driver’s licenses, photo ID cards, and learner’s permits that expired in January 2020 remain valid until December 2021. PennDOT urges customers to utilize the many online services that are now available to help them with their driver and vehicle needs, such as driver’s license renewals.
Why get a REAL ID if I have a passport?
Having a REAL ID is beneficial if you do not have a passport, because it allows you to board domestic flights and access certain secure federal buildings. In addition, some states may require you to have a REAL ID for certain activities, such as accessing government services, entering certain federal facilities, or even voting.
Furthermore, generally speaking, a passport is more expensive and requires more documentations for application than a REAL ID. That being said, if you already have a passport, you may not need to get a REAL ID.
However, consider that a REAL ID would still be useful for alternative, everyday uses, such as entering certain age-restricted places and checking into a hotel. Ultimately, it depends on your individual situation, but having a REAL ID can be beneficial even if you already have a passport.
How do I know if my PA ID is real?
If you’re suspicious that the Pennsylvania ID you’re carrying may be fake, there are several ways to check if it’s real. First, look for authentication features like microprinting, which is made up of tiny words that are printed in very small print that can be seen when magnified.
Additionally, Pennsylvania IDs also have lenses embedded in them that make certain design elements of the card visible when held up to a light. Furthermore, you should check for holograms, which are images that should be printed on the card in different shades of color.
Finally, the card should have a raised seal of the issuing authority and should include details like your photo, name, address, and birthdate. If any of these features are missing or seem too faint or blurry, it’s likely that the card is a fake.
Do you need a REAL ID in Pennsylvania if you have a passport?
No, you do not need a REAL ID in Pennsylvania if you have a passport. A passport or other federally-approved form of identification, such as a military ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License, will allow you to fly domestically and access federal facilities.
Pennsylvania does not require REAL ID license or identification cards in order to drive, apply for government benefits, or enter government buildings. However, if you choose to purchase a REAL ID, you can get one for an additional $30 when you renew or obtain a new driver’s license.
It provides additional identity protection and helps protect your personal information from identity theft.
Which states require REAL ID to fly?
Beginning October 1, 2020, all travelers 18 years of age and older will need to have REAL ID-compliant identification in order to fly within the United States. All 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.
S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands now issue REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards. In some states, the DMV began issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses in 2018. If you are not sure whether your driver’s license or state-issued ID meets the requirements for REAL ID, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
The following states and territories are compliant with the REAL ID Act, as of June 2020:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.
S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Can I use a REAL ID to go to Canada?
No, you cannot use a REAL ID to travel to Canada. REAL IDs are only accepted for domestic air travel in the United States, and are not valid for international travel. You will need to apply for and obtain a valid passport to travel to Canada.
You also must meet additional entry requirements, including a valid passport, proof of legal entry into the US, and evidence of your ties to the US. Once you have fulfilled these requirements, you may be granted entry into Canada.
