Pennsylvanians have a ticking clock to beat as the federal REAL ID enforcement looms just around the corner, kicking in less than a month from now. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is teaming up with airport and automobile association officials to get the word out: get your REAL ID or sort out alternative federally accepted identification if you want to fly, visit military bases, or enter certain federal facilities. This push is part of a broader effort from the Shapiro Administration to make sure nobody gets caught flat-footed when enforcement starts on May 7.
Since 2019, when REAL IDs first became available in Pennsylvania, more than 2.6 million residents there have opted into the program. According to a release posted on PaCast, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized that having proper identification will be crucial for travel come early May. “We know that people look forward to traveling with friends and family,” said Carroll. Conversations with folks at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the American Automobile Association hammer home a clear message: the importance of preparing now cannot be overstated if you enjoy stress-free travel.
The forthcoming rules are for anyone who requires access to federal buildings or military installations where an ID is required at the door. While obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory in the state, those opting out will need another form of federally acceptable ID, such as a valid passport or military ID, to carry out the same tasks. The goal, stressed by the Shapiro Administration and echoed by PennDOT, is to ward off any turbulence that could arise from travelers arriving at airports unprepared.
Currently, Pennsylvanians wanting to ensure their summer travel plans aren’t grounded can act right away by applying for their REAL ID. "But after May 7, if you don't have a REAL ID or a passport, you won't be able to board a domestic flight," said Carroll, highlighting the urgency.
