REAL ID Days Return to Pennsylvania Driver License Centers on March 17

HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that several driver license centers across the state will open on Monday, March 17, to help residents obtain a REAL ID before the upcoming federal enforcement deadline.

According to PennDOT, these “REAL ID Days” will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at centers in Beaver Falls, Reading, Enola, Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia, and Jeannette. These locations will exclusively process REAL ID transactions during the event hours.

“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Because we’re seeing an increase in demand, we decided to offer our REAL ID Days as a way to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public and providing them with the best possible customer service.”

REAL ID Days will take place when centers are typically closed on Mondays, giving residents an additional chance to secure a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. Regular services will continue during normal business hours throughout the week.

PennDOT reported that over 4,000 people have already been assisted through previous REAL ID Days events.

Although REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, starting May 7, 2025, residents will need a federally compliant form of identification—such as a REAL ID, valid passport, or military ID—to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and access certain federal buildings.

To obtain a REAL ID, PennDOT requires specific documents to verify identity, Social Security number, Pennsylvania residency, and, if applicable, legal name changes. These include:

• Proof of Identity: An original or certified birth certificate or valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099, or pay stub with full SSN.
• Two Proofs of Pennsylvania Address: A PA driver’s license or ID card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill.
• Proof of Legal Name Changes (if applicable): Certified marriage certificates, court orders, or adoption decrees.

Over 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have opted into the REAL ID program to date.

A onetime fee of $30 is required to obtain the first REAL ID product, along with the applicable renewal fee—currently $39.50 for a four-year driver’s license and $42.50 for a photo ID. The expiration date of the initial REAL ID will add four years to the current license’s remaining time, unless the applicant holds a two-year license for individuals over age 65. Afterward, only standard renewal fees will apply.

REAL IDs can be received in the mail within 15 days when ordered at a Driver License Center, or over the counter at one of PennDOT’s 15 dedicated REAL ID Centers.

Residents who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID after September 1, 2003, may already have the necessary documents on file with PennDOT. These individuals can apply for pre-verification and order a REAL ID product online.