MEDIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced special service hours at its Granite Run Driver License Center to help residents prepare for the upcoming federal REAL ID enforcement deadline. The center, located at 1067 West Baltimore Pike, will be open on December 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a day it is typically closed.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another federally approved form of ID, such as a valid passport or military ID, to board domestic flights, enter military bases, or access certain federal facilities.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers are prepared for REAL ID enforcement on May 7, 2025,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Offering these special hours gives our customers another opportunity to get ready.”
Obtaining a REAL ID in Pennsylvania is optional, but more than 2.5 million residents have already chosen to enroll in the program. To acquire a REAL ID, applicants must provide specific documents, including proof of identity (such as a certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport), proof of Social Security number, two proofs of current Pennsylvania address, and documentation of any legal name changes, if applicable.
The one-time fee for a REAL ID product is $30, in addition to a renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license or ID card. Customers who submit the necessary documents and payment can receive their REAL ID either by mail within 15 days or immediately at one of PennDOT’s 14 designated REAL ID Centers.
Templeton emphasized the importance of early preparation, noting that those who obtained their first Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID after September 1, 2003, may already have their required documents on file with PennDOT. These individuals can verify their eligibility and order a REAL ID online.
The special service hours aim to ensure Pennsylvanians have sufficient resources and information to meet the federal requirements ahead of the deadline. By streamlining access and offering flexible options, PennDOT seeks to facilitate a smooth transition toward compliance with the REAL ID regulations.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.