Pennsylvania residents now have until May 7, 2025 to register for a REAL ID. The previous deadline was May 3, 2023, extended by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday. This is the third extension granted by federal officials, who cited backlogs created by the impacts of the pandemic and continuing delays in state motor vehicle agencies.

Real IDs are required for federal agencies and domestic flights in lieu of a passport, and will be valid for four years. They are otherwise unrequired in Pennsylvania. The new form of identification is created by technologies which make identity theft more difficult.

PennDOT branches will require a birth certificate, Social Security card, two proofs of residence (i.e., mortgage, rental receipt, and/or a utility bill), and proof of legal name changes. More details and requirements for non-U.S. citizens are available on PennDOT’s site.

To apply for a REAL ID through PennDOT, you can click here. For updated information, you can visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s site here.

Photo credit: Pittsburgh Action News