PHILADELPHIA, PA — With roughly two months remaining until the May 7, 2025, enforcement deadline for federal REAL ID compliance, the Shapiro Administration is urging Pennsylvanians to act now to ensure they can meet travel and identification requirements without disruption. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), alongside officials from Philadelphia International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and American Automobile Association (AAA), is spearheading efforts to inform and assist residents ahead of the deadline.
The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005, requires that state-issued identification, such as driver’s licenses, adhere to heightened security standards to enhance national safety. Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians must possess a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, a valid passport, or another federally acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities like military bases. Currently, over 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have obtained a REAL ID since it became accessible in 2019.
To facilitate preparation, PennDOT has introduced “REAL ID Days” at driver license centers across the state. On select Mondays, these centers will exclusively process REAL ID applications. Residents attending these events can expect expedited assistance in obtaining compliant IDs. A comprehensive schedule of REAL ID Days is available on PennDOT’s website.
At a recent briefing, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll addressed the importance of proactive action, stating, “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 to fly domestically, you need to upgrade to a REAL ID.”
Additional speakers included Atif Saeed, CEO of Philadelphia International Airport, who highlighted traveler readiness, and Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA, who urged residents to avoid last-minute challenges by securing their REAL IDs as soon as possible.
Pennsylvania continues to roll out resources to help residents comply with the REAL ID Act while minimizing disruptions. The Shapiro Administration states that it remains committed to safeguarding the convenience of travelers and ensuring seamless compliance with federal requirements. For those traveling domestically beyond May 7, securing a REAL ID or valid alternative documentation is a crucial step toward uninterrupted experiences at airports and federal facilities.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.