Real ID Deadline Approaching Pennsylvania

After 20 years and multiple delays, Pennsylvanians will finally be required to comply with the REAL ID Act on May 7, 2025.
 
Governor Josh Shapiro, lawmakers, and the US Department of Homeland Security are reminding Pennsylvanians there will be no more extensions to comply with the REAL ID Act. And failure to have REAL ID means Pennsylvanians will not be able to board domestic flights or entering most federal facilities.

Non-compliance with REAL ID would be disruptive to Pennsylvanians, as well as employers who have staff members and customers traveling frequently to and from the Commonwealth. In 2023 approximately 20 million passengers boarded flights in Pennsylvania. While lack of REAL ID wouldn’t disrupt engagement with the Post Office, Social Security, or the IRS, it would prevent entering federal courthouses, visiting military bases or any facility that would requires photo ID. Currently, the Commonwealth is not requiring REAL ID for any purpose.
 
How prepared is Pennsylvania for REAL ID enforcement? The requirements of the REAL ID Act only apply to those 18 years and older. The Census Bureau estimates that there are about 10.4 million Pennsylvanians over 18. The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles has only issued 2.5 million REAL ID products, which comes to 24%. However, because passports satisfy REAL ID requirements, this means an estimated 6.7 million, or 46%, of Pennsylvanians have REAL ID compliant documentation.
 
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 in response to 9/11 terror attacks. The Act creates national standards for the physical production driver’s licenses and personal identification cards, as well as standards of evidence for proving the identity of individuals being issued those cards. There is now only 2 months left before enforcement.