i recently partnered with PennDOT to host a REAL ID webinar on April 7 at 12:30 PM! During this webinar, we explained what a REAL ID is, why you may want one, and how you can get one before the May 7 REAL ID Enforcement date.
Real ID Act
Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.
Getting a REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents, and they will be available in March 2019 to Pennsylvanians who want them.
Customers may bring their REAL ID documentation into any PennDOT driver license center for pre-verification. Then, when REAL IDs are available in March 2019, customers can apply for their REAL ID online — no need to come back to the driver license center! To learn more about what documents you’ll need to present, visit our REAL ID Document Check page.
The chart below shows the difference between a standard ID or driver’s license, and a REAL ID:
| Standard ID or Driver’s License | REAL ID ID or Driver’s License | |
| Driving (DL only) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| General Identification Purposes | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Boarding a Domestic (U.S.) Flight after May 7, 2025 | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Entering a Federal Facility (that requires ID) or Military Base | ✖️ | ✔️ |