The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is now offering REAL ID compliant driver licenses and identification cards. As mandated by the REAL ID Act of 2005, a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or military ID will be required by the federal government to board domestic flights, or to access some
federal facilities starting on May 3, 2023. If you use your driver license or ID card to get through airport security, or to access a federal facility this will soon change. California is working to meet the new standards set by the federal government, and will be making available REAL ID compliant driver licenses and identification cards at all DMV locations throughout the State of California. According to the DMV, residents interested in applying for a REAL ID compliant
driver license or identification card must do the following: Valid California driver licenses and identification cards can be used to board commercial flights until May 3, 2023. Also, if you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or other federally approved identification, you may use this as your form of identification to pass a TSA checkpoint at airports nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installations at any time. Make sure to check with the federal facility/military
base before you visit to verify their identification requirements. The cost for a REAL ID driver license or identification card is the same as those currently charged for a standard driver license or identification card. REAL IDs will have a special marking of the California grizzly bear with a star on the top right corner of the card. For more information on REAL ID, please visit
REALID.dmv.ca.gov. View Required Documents PDF + View Fact Sheet +
A REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional. However, Starting May3, 2023, all states will be issuing Real ID compliant licenses. We recommend Real ID above Standard ID.
A REAL ID is needed if:
1. Use to board domestic flights after the new May 3rd, 2023 deadline
2. Enter military bases and secure federal facilities.
If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification for the above purposes, you do not need to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended.
You will need to complete another application process if you wish to receive a REAL ID after getting a standardDriver License.
Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2021, to May 3, 2023, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration.
Beginning May 3, 2023, 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.
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REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvanians who want them. This guide will help you decide if you need a REAL ID, and provide information on what documents
you will need and steps you can take to get an optional REAL ID.
PennDOT does not have a process by which customers can pre-scan and upload REAL ID documents from home. In order to get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents to one of our Driver Licensing Centers for verification in person. For the safety of our customers’ identities, PennDOT will never ask for nor accept any identity documents over the internet for any reason. Any website claiming to provide this
service is not affiliated with PennDOT. As such, customers should not submit any images of personal documents to such websites as they will not be transmitted to PennDOT and could be used for fraudulent purposes. Through our website, customers may apply for pre-verification if their documents are already on file with PennDOT, however, this process will not ask you to scan and upload documents.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states
issue driver's licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic commercial flight, or entering a military installation or federal facility that requires ID.
Beginning May 3, 2023, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to:
- Board domestic commercial flights.
- Enter
a military base.
- Enter a federal facility that requires ID at the door.
Do I have to get a REAL ID?
No. REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents. You will be able to get either a REAL ID driver’s license/identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card.
If you do not get a REAL ID, you must have an alternate form of federally-acceptable identification (valid passport, military ID, etc.) to board domestic
commercial flights and enter certain federal facilities after May 3, 2023.
| Driving (DL only) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| General Identification Purposes | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Boarding a Domestic (U.S.) Flight after May 3, 2023 | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Entering a Federal Facility (that requires ID) or Military Base | ✖️ | ✔️ |
You do NOT need a REAL ID to:
- Drive.
- Vote.
- Access hospitals.
- Visit the post office.
- Access federal courts.
- Apply for or receive federal benefits, such as social security or veterans' benefits.
If you're not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may be able to help.
Prepare For REAL ID
Gather Your Documents
The best thing you can do to prepare for REAL ID is to get your documents together. Federal regulations require that PennDOT must verify original versions or certified copies of the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID:
- Proof of identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the
state office of vital records with a raised/embossed seal — issued by an authorized government agency — or valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or passport card.
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card in current legal name.
- Two proofs of current, physical PA address: Examples include current, unexpired PA license or ID, PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card or utility bill with the same name and address.
- Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable): Certified marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree issued by your county's family court.
If you are a lawfully present non-U.S. citizen, acceptable documents include:
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) issued by DHS; Forms I-766 or Form 1-688B
- Valid, Unexpired Permanent Resident Card I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Issued by DHS or
INS
Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed, and an I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent residence
Some non-U.S. citizens may be required to present additional documentation. Additional information for non-U.S. citizens can be found on PennDOT's REAL ID Information for non-U.S. Citizens page.
Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and download a printable document checklist on PennDOT’s REAL ID Document Check page.
Apply For Pre-Verification
Pre-Verify Online
If you received your FIRST Pennsylvania driver's license, learner's permit, or photo ID card AFTER September 1, 2003, PennDOT may already have your REAL ID documentation on file.
To find out if your required REAL ID documents are on file with PennDOT, apply for REAL ID pre-verification online.
If PennDOT confirms that your documents are on file, you can order your REAL ID online — no need to visit a driver's license center!
How To Get A REAL ID
Order REAL ID Online
Pre-verified customers may apply online and receive their REAL IDs in the mail within 15 business days.
Get REAL ID In-Person
- Visit any PennDOT REAL ID center to have your documents verified and imaged and receive your REAL ID at the time of service.
- Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged, and receive your REAL ID within 15 business days.
Click the buttons below to learn more about whether you need a REAL ID, what documents you will need and steps you can take now to prepare to get an optional REAL ID.