HARRISBURG, PA — With the May 7, 2025, federal enforcement deadline approaching, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a series of REAL ID Days events across the state to assist residents in obtaining REAL IDs. These events, held at several Driver License Centers on Mondays when the facilities are typically closed, aim to streamline the process and support Pennsylvanians ahead of the federal requirement.
REAL ID Days on March 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will take place at the following locations:
- New Kensington Driver License Center, 1600 Greensburg Road, New Kensington
- Malvern Driver License Center, 225 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern
- Indiana Driver License Center, 2334 Oakland Avenue, Indiana
- Arch Street Driver License Center, 801 Arch Street, Philadelphia
- Selinsgrove Driver License Center, 1015 Route 522, Selinsgrove
- Montrose Driver License Center, 78 Grow Avenue, Montrose
These events are exclusive to processing REAL ID applications, helping residents meet the requirements to board domestic flights, access federal buildings, and enter military installations after the deadline.
“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “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.”
To obtain a REAL ID, residents must present specific documentation, including:
- Proof of identity, such as an original or certified birth certificate or valid passport
- Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2 form)
- Two proofs of current Pennsylvania address, like a utility bill or driver license
- Proof of all name changes, if applicable
The cost for a REAL ID includes a one-time fee of $30, plus the standard renewal fee for non-commercial driver licenses ($39.50) or photo IDs ($42.50). Customers can opt to receive their REAL ID on-site at designated REAL ID Centers or by mail within 15 days of application.
More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have already chosen to enroll in the REAL ID program. Though obtaining a REAL ID is optional, PennDOT officials emphasize the importance of planning ahead to prevent disruptions to travel or access to secure facilities.
Addressing residents’ growing demand for convenience and preparation, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll noted, “As the weather starts getting warmer, we know many Pennsylvanians have made exciting travel plans. With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning on May 7, your travel planning should include making sure you have proper ID to fly. If you want to keep using your driver’s license or photo ID card to fly domestically, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID if you haven’t already.”
By hosting these events and providing accessible options, PennDOT aims to enhance customer service while ensuring that Pennsylvania residents can meet federal requirements with ease.
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