Behind the Wheel with REAL ID: Why PA Drivers Need to Act Now

If you have an upcoming domestic flight planned, you should have your REAL ID ready before your trip. From May 7th, 2025, Pennsylvanians need a REAL ID-certified piece of identification, such as a driver’s license, to board domestic flights or enter military bases. 

However, today, only 28% of Pennsylvanians currently own a REAL ID, meaning the rest need to make sure to bring their passports with them to fly within the US. One of the reasons more Pennsylvanians may not have a REAL ID is that they don’t know how to get one.

While having a REAL ID is currently optional, it is a good idea to get yours sooner rather than later to avoid long wait times or even delays to your trip. As a PennDOT-authorized third-party testing center, Driven2Drive helps train students to receive their driver’s licenses for REAL ID eligibility, which remains one of the best ways to get a REAL ID today.

What is REAL ID and why do Pennsylvania Drivers Need it?

You may have heard a lot of chatter about REAL ID, but aren’t sure what it is or why you need one. How is it different from the driver’s license in your wallet, and what are the benefits of switching to a REAL ID? Let’s break it down.

REAL ID is a newly enforced law that came into effect on May 7th, 2025, affecting how states issue driver’s licenses for federal purposes. A REAL ID-compliant identification card can be a driver’s license, U.S passport, or military ID, and Pennsylvanians will need them for a few reasons:

• Boarding a domestic commercial flight
• Entering a military base
• Entering a federal facility that requires a federal ID

That said, currently, obtaining a REAL ID is optional; however, there are certain benefits to getting your REAL ID license even while it is not required. For example, drivers who plan to travel domestically or visit federal sites will need to travel with an alternative ID like a passport, and are also subject to additional security screening. At airports, where TSA security lines can already be time-consuming, having a REAL ID will help you have a smoother experience, making travel quicker and easier. 

Here’s Why Now Is the Time to Get Your REAL ID

According to a PennDOT spokesperson, there has been a slight uptick in demand for REAL ID; however, as of May 1st, only 28% of Pennsylvanians were REAL ID-compliant. As more and more residents start switching over to REAL ID, avoid the rush and wait times by getting yours as soon as you can.

There are a few different ways you can get a REAL ID:

1. Renew your driver’s license and get a REAL ID automatically by paying the $30 REAL ID fee in addition to your driver’s license renewal fee. For this option, you don’t need to wait until your current license expires. Your REAL ID will include the remaining time on your existing license and add four more years.
2. If you are pre-verified, you can order your REAL ID online by paying a one-time $30 REAL ID fee in addition to your standard renewal fee.
3. Order your REAL ID online during your predetermined license renewal period by paying the $30 fee plus the renewal fee. If you are not pre-verified, you’ll need to visit an approved driver’s license center to get your documents vetted and verified in person.

Often, PennDOT can have longer wait times when opting for online or in-person license renewals. Drivers who want to skip the hassle and bypass the waiting period can turn to Driven2Drive, whether they are applying for a license renewal or getting their driver’s license for the first time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a REAL ID

Applying for a REAL ID driver’s license isn’t complicated, but there are a few important steps you need to follow to complete the process correctly. 

Step 1: Hold a valid PA license 

If you don’t already have a license, you’ll need to get one by taking lessons and a road test. Driven2Drive’s license testing services help you obtain a driver’s license with the help of professional instructors.

Step 2: Gather documents

With a valid PA license, you need to gather the right documents to get your REAL ID. These include:

• Proof of identity and lawful status, such as a birth certificate, valid passport, U.S citizenship document, etc
• A document showing your Social Security number, including your Social Security card, W-2 form, or a pay stub that includes the number
• Two proofs of residency in PA, such as a current driver’s license, vehicle registration card, utility bill, tax records, etc
• Name change documents, if relevant

Consult the official list of acceptable documents from the state of Pennsylvania to see what can be used to apply for your REAL ID.

Step 3: Visit a PennDOT center or pre-verify

Complete the application online to get pre-verified. Certain conditions need to be met in order to apply online, otherwise, you’ll need to complete your application in person.

You can apply online if:

• You have been pre-verified at a PennDOT driver’s license center
• You are a US citizen
• You received confirmation from PennDOT that your REAL ID documents are on file, and you’ve applied for pre-verification

You will need to apply in person if:

• You hold a commercial driver’s license
• You hold a temporary immigration status
• You are a lawful permanent resident

Step 4: Pay fees 

Finally, to complete the transaction, you will need to pay the $30 REAL ID fee that can be paid by credit or debit card. Additionally, if you are renewing your license, you’ll also need to pay the renewal fee. Once all the above steps are completed, you should receive the ID by mail in 7-10 days. 

Driven2Drive: Your Fast Lane to Getting a REAL ID

It is important to note that not having the right documents or failing to provide all the documentation you need can delay the process, forcing you to start over. If you are hoping to use your REAL ID license to fly, this can impact your travel plans. 

When you apply for your REAL ID through Driven2Drive, we make sure to review your documentation and license so that you avoid mistakes and make sure your application is accepted without delays. As Driven2Drive is a trusted driver’s license center in Pennsylvania, our staff is trained to follow the exact guidelines set by the state to guarantee your application is processed as soon as possible.

Not only that, but new drivers who rely on Driven2Drive services like driving lessons and the road test will automatically receive their REAL ID license upon passing, meaning you can avoid the hassle of applying for it later on.

Myth-Busting: Addressing REAL ID Misconceptions

As a new law, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding REAL ID and how it works. To set the record straight, we’ll debunk some common REAL ID myths below.

Myth 1: REAL ID is required for driving in PA

Not true! REAL ID is only needed for federal access and flights, not standard driving. You can still use your usual driving license to drive in PA, but if your license is up for renewal, it is still a good idea to apply for REAL ID.

Myth 2: A passport replaces a REAL ID

Yes and no. You can use a passport to fly domestically instead of a REAL ID, but having a REAL ID is much more convenient. Since most people keep their licenses in their wallets, which are always with them, you won’t forget your passport at home when rushing to a flight. 

Myth 3: The process is too complex

This couldn’t be less true! PennDOT and approved driving license centers like Driven2Drive make the process smooth and easy. At Driven2Drive, our staff is trained to make sure your application is fully prepared for the application process.

Myth 4: Having a REAL ID is required in PA

Currently, there is no requirement to hold a REAL ID in Pennsylvania. That said, getting one is encouraged as it will make domestic travel and federal identification easier. It is also important to note that you don’t need a REAL ID for activities like voting, driving, or accessing healthcare.

Myth 5: REAL ID is only for US citizens

This is incorrect. Non-US citizens can still apply for a REAL ID in Pennsylvania and will need to provide the documentation we covered above, as well as additional items where relevant, such as your temporary status or Green Card.

Get Your Driver’s License Now and Receive Your REAL ID Automatically

For new drivers or anyone going through a driving course to get a license, if you obtain or renew your driver’s license now, you’ll automatically receive your REAL ID as part of the process. When you test and apply for a driver’s license via Driven2Drive or PennDOT, you’ll have the REAL ID included. This means you won’t need to apply separately, spend time at a PennDOT center, or get pre-verified, saving you time and money.

Local PennDOT Centers with Extended Hours Near You

Some local PennDOT locations, like Bensalem, offer extended hours that make it easier for residents with busy schedules to apply for their REAL ID. Still, it is a good idea to apply through an accredited driver’s license center like Driven2Drive for the added convenience of extended opening times and the peace of mind you’ll get by having someone review your application. 

Real ID: Key Takeaways

While only newly implemented, REAL ID is already a must for seamless travel and federal access. The REAL ID law was implemented to make it easier and more convenient for residents to fly domestically and access federal and military institutions safely. However, there is still a relatively low rate of PA citizens who have gotten their REAL ID.

Whether your driver’s license is up for renewal or you still have a few years left before you need to take care of it, it is still worth applying for a REAL ID now. Since the REAL ID application is separate and allows you to renew even before your license expires, you can benefit from getting your REAL ID sooner while still keeping the validity timeline on your existing license. 

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