Deadline for Pennsylvanians to get REAL ID is 1 year away | Here's what you need to know

People will need a REAL ID to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building that requires identification.

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Monday, May 6, 2024
Deadline for Pennsylvanians to get REAL ID is 1 year away | Here's what you need to know
Deadline for Pennsylvanians to get REAL ID is 1 year away | Here's what you need to know

PENNSYLVANIA (WPVI) -- The deadline for Pennsylvanians to receive a REAL ID is one year from Tuesday, May 7.



Officials have pushed back the deadline multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.



People will need a REAL ID to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building that requires identification.



Despite this, officials say REAL ID remains optional. You can use a valid passport as an alternative to this.



WHAT'S REAL ID?



According to PennDOT, REAL ID is a federal law that impacts how states issue driver's licenses and ID cards if they are to be acceptable for federal purposes.



That includes boarding domestic commercial flights, entering a military base, or any federal facility that requires an ID.



PennDOT says you do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, access hospitals, enter a post office, access federal courts, or apply for or receive federal benefits, such as social security or veterans' benefits.



To apply for a REAL ID, visit dmv.pa.org.



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