May 7 Deadline Looms for Real ID Compliance: What You Need to Know

HARRISBURG, Pa. — As the May 7 deadline approaches for compliance with the Real ID Act, many Pennsylvania residents are preparing for the necessary upgrades to their identification cards. After numerous delays since the law’s passage in 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will enforce the new identification standards starting in just a few weeks.

A Real ID is a federally accepted identification that complies with strict security measures mandated by Congress. It is designed to enhance the integrity of identity verification and reduce the chances of fraudulent use. Travelers aged 18 and older will be required to present a Real ID to board domestic flights, according to Ravi Sarathy, an airline expert and professor at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. “It is a national standard,” Sarathy explains. “As opposed to each state having its own driver’s license regulation, this is a national standard.”

The Real ID will feature a star symbol on the top portion of the card indicating its compliance. Beyond air travel, a Real ID is also necessary for entry to certain federal facilities including military bases and nuclear power plants. Children under 18 are not required to have a Real ID if traveling with an adult who has acceptable identification.

For residents of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Real ID involves a three-step process: gathering the required documents, applying online to schedule an appointment, and then visiting the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to finalize the process. Local DMV offices are seeing an increase in demand, particularly as the deadline nears, prompting the introduction of special “Real ID Days.” These will be held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in select locations across the state.

“We’re finding people are concerned, and there’s no reason for concern,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “We’re here, we’re offering special hours, and we will be processing them now until the end of time, because it’s just part of our business now.”

For residents to secure their Real ID in Pennsylvania, they must present various documents including proof of identity (e.g., a U.S. passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of address, such as utility bills or bank statements. According to Inama, a spokesperson from PennDOT, it is crucial for individuals to arrive prepared to mitigate any complications that may arise during the application process.

Gene Katapski from Jefferson Township expressed frustration regarding the stringent documentation requirements. “I tried three times; each time they found something to deny,” he said. “I gave up and received a passport card in 30 minutes.” Inama suggests that applicants ensure that all of their documents match exactly to avoid delays.

Real IDs are marked with a gold or black star in the top right corner of the card. If a driver’s license or ID is marked “not for federal identification,” it will not be accepted after the enforcement date. If individuals are unable to obtain a Real ID by May 7, they can still travel domestically and access federal buildings using an alternative form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

With the deadline just around the corner, residents are encouraged to start the process of obtaining a Real ID, especially if they anticipate future travel or visits to federal facilities. For further details on the requirements and to check their Real ID status, individuals can visit the PennDOT website.