Pa Driver's License Id For Air Travel
Have you ever wondered if your Pennsylvania driver's license is enough to board a domestic flight? The answer might surprise you. Starting October 1, 2020, all states, including Pennsylvania, will be required to issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards to individuals who wish to board commercial flights or enter secure federal facilities.
If you are planning to travel by air domestically after the deadline, you will either need to have a passport or apply for a REAL-ID compliant Pennsylvania driver's license, state-issued ID, or a U.S. passport. In this article, we will discuss what REAL ID is, how to get it, and how it affects air travel.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal law that was passed by Congress in 2005, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The law sets minimum security standards for identification cards issued by states to their residents. It aims to improve the integrity and security of driver's licenses and identification cards while making sure that they comply with federal identification requirements.
Under REAL ID, states must verify an applicant's identity and residency before issuing a driver's license or identification card. The applicant must provide documents such as a birth certificate, social security card, and proof of address to establish their identity and residency.
How to Get a REAL ID?
If you have a Pennsylvania driver's license or identification card, you can upgrade it to a REAL-ID compliant one. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Check if You Can Apply Online
You can apply for REAL ID online if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You have a Pennsylvania driver's license or identification card that is valid or expired for less than 12 months.
- Your current name is the same as your existing driver's license or identification card.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) is on file with PennDOT.
- Your current address is on file with PennDOT.
If you meet these criteria, you can visit the PennDOT website and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide your SSN and upload a copy of your birth certificate or passport and two documents that prove your address.
Step 2: Visit a PennDOT Driver's License Center
If you cannot apply online or prefer to apply in person, you can visit a PennDOT Driver's License Center. You will need to bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity (original or certified copy of a birth certificate or passport).
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) (social security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with full SSN).
- Two proofs of current, physical PA address (current, unexpired PA license or ID, vehicle registration, or utility bill with your name and address).
- Proof of all legal name changes (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
You will also need to pay a one-time fee of $30 for a REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
How REAL ID Affects Travel?
REAL ID will have a significant impact on air travel. Starting October 1, 2020, passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a passport, or another acceptable form of identification, will not be allowed to board commercial aircraft.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Federal government PIV cards
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Credential issued by an approved State, such as a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver's license or identification card
To summarize, Pennsylvania residents must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a U.S. passport or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities after October 1, 2020. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can apply for one online or visit a PennDOT Driver's License Center to upgrade your existing license for a one-time fee of $30.
Conclusion
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card is essential if you plan to travel domestically by air or enter secure federal facilities after October 1, 2020. The process is simple, and you can apply for it online or visit a PennDOT Driver's License Center. Make sure you have the required documents and pay the one-time fee to upgrade your license or identification card.
