Special REAL ID Days Across Pennsylvania on March 24

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering additional opportunities for residents to obtain a REAL ID ahead of the upcoming May 7 federal enforcement deadline. On March 24, PennDOT will host special REAL ID Days events across the state, providing residents with a convenient chance to secure their REAL ID before the deadline. These events have been well-received, with previous REAL ID Days serving over 5,000 Pennsylvanians.

The special events, aimed at expanding access to REAL ID services, reflect the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing commitment to enhancing customer service and assisting Pennsylvanians in meeting the federal requirement.
“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “Because we’re seeing an increase in demand, we decided to offer our REAL ID Days as a way to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public and providing them with the best possible customer service.”

The March 24 REAL ID Days will be held from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the following centers:

Johnstown Driver License Center at 563 Walters Avenue, Johnstown

Huntingdon Driver License Center at 9048 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon

New Castle Driver License Center at 973 Old Youngstown Road, New Castle

Lehigh Valley Driver License Center at 1710 Hoover Avenue, Allentown

Whitman Plaza Driver License Center at 330 West Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia

Wellsboro Driver License Center at 40 Plaza Lane, Wellsboro.

While these centers are usually closed on Mondays, they will open for this special event. During regular business hours, PennDOT will continue to process REAL IDs and other driver license-related services.

REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but over 2.5 million residents have already chosen to obtain one. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or an alternative federally acceptable form of identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) will be required to:

Board domestic commercial flights

Enter military bases

Access certain federal facilities

Though a REAL ID is not required for international travel, it will be necessary for domestic air travel and other federal interactions starting next year.

To apply for a REAL ID, residents must present several documents to prove their identity, Social Security number, Pennsylvania residency, and legal name changes. For more details on the specific requirements, residents can refer to the PennDOT website.

For those unable to attend the REAL ID Days, many PennDOT services, including online applications for REAL ID pre-verification, can be completed via the PennDOT website at www.pa.gov/dmv. The site offers various online services, such as license renewal, address changes, and more, available 24/7 with no extra fees for online transactions.

The REAL ID process includes a one-time fee of $30 for the first card, plus regular renewal fees. Upon approval, applicants will receive their REAL ID in the mail within 15 days, or they can obtain it immediately at one of the state’s designated REAL ID Centers.

For more information about REAL ID, visit the PennDOT website. To check traffic conditions and other road information, motorists can visit 511PA.com or use the free mobile app for real-time updates.