The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will open all 15 of its REAL ID Centers on Monday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. to provide REAL ID services exclusively. These centers will issue REAL IDs over the counter on-site during the event.
The extended hours aim to meet ongoing demand, with over 7,000 REAL IDs issued during a previous special event. Nearly 3 million Pennsylvanians have opted to obtain a REAL ID, which is optional but required to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and access certain federal facilities. A valid passport remains necessary for international travel.
REAL ID Days are held on Mondays, when the centers are normally closed. During these events, services are limited to REAL ID processing only.
To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide:
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or U.S. passport)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two documents verifying current Pennsylvania address
- Proof of all legal name changes, if applicable
The cost for a first-time REAL ID is $30 plus the renewal fee. Customers will not lose any previously paid license time, and future REAL ID renewals will not include the $30 fee.
REAL ID-compliant products are available by mail within 15 days through Driver License Centers or immediately at REAL ID Centers. Those who received their first Pennsylvania license or ID after September 1, 2003, may already have documents on file and can apply online.
For more information, including locations and eligibility, visit www.pa.gov/dmv or PennDOT’s REAL ID website.
