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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

     

    Is the REAL ID for me?

    Starting May 7, 2025, if you live in Pennsylvania, you'll need a REAL ID, a valid passport, or a military ID to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal buildings. You can get a REAL ID now if you want one. This guide will help you decide if you need it.

    Do I need a REAL ID?

    Use the following guide to determine if a REAL ID might be necessary for you:

    1. 1

      Check Your Current Identification

      Do you have any of the following?

      • Valid U.S. or foreign passport
      • U.S. passport card
      • Permanent resident card
      • U.S. military ID
         

      If you answered "Yes":
      You do not need a REAL ID. These forms of identification will suffice for flying within the United States or accessing federal facilities.

       

      If you answered "No":
      You may need to consider getting a REAL ID. Continue reading to see if it applies to your situation.

    2. 2

      Assess Your Travel Plans

      Do you fly within the United States or plan to?
       

      If you answered "Yes":
      You should consider getting a REAL ID to ensure you can continue to fly domestically without issues.

    3. 3

      Consider Your Access Needs

      Do you plan to visit a military base or installation?

       

      If you answered "Yes":
      A REAL ID may be required for access. It’s recommended to get one.


      Do you plan to visit a nuclear facility or federal building that requires ID upon entrance?

       

      If you answered "Yes":
      Obtaining a REAL ID might be necessary to enter these facilities.

    Final Recommendation

    If you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions:

    Consider applying for a REAL ID before May 7, 2025. After this date, federal agencies will require a REAL ID-compliant license/photo ID or another acceptable form of identification.

     

    If you answered "No" to all of the above questions:
    You may not need a REAL ID at this time. However, if your circumstances change, you should:

    • Renew your card before it expires. Check the expiration date of your passport or other identification and renew it if necessary to avoid any disruptions in your travel or federal access.
    • Apply for a REAL ID before May 7, 2025, to ensure you're prepared.