(WJAC) — Six months away from today is the deadline to get your REAL ID.

PennDOT officials say now is the best time to start the process to meet that October 1st deadline.

WHAT IS IT?

REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver's licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes.

Beginning October 1, 2021, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to:

  • Board domestic commercial flights.
  • Enter a military base.
  • Enter a federal facility that requires ID at the door.

Diego Sandino, Community Relations Coordinator for PennDOT, said getting a REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvanians.

"It just depends on who you are and what makes sense for your specific situation. While a REAL ID may be the best option for someone, someone else may choose to use another form of federally accepted identification, and that's fine," said Sandino.

You do NOT need a REAL ID to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts, or apply for/receive federal benefits (such as social security or veterans' benefits).

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?

Since the deadline to get your REAL ID is six months away -- if you want to get one -- Sandino says to start gathering your documents now.

"That way, when they come to one of our centers, they are prepared and have all the documents necessary to obtain their REAL ID."

You'll need:

  • Proof of identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the state office of vital records with a raised/embossed seal — issued by an authorized government agency — or valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or passport card.
  • Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card.
  • Two proofs of current, physical PA address: Examples include current, unexpired PA license or ID, PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card or utility bill with the same name and address.
  • Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable): Certified marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree issued by your county's family court.

Click here to obtain a copy of your birth certificate.

Click here to obtain a copy of your social security card.

Click here for information for non-U.S. citizens.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Then, you'll bring those documents -- in-person -- to a PennDOT driver licensing center.

To find out if your required REAL ID documents are on file with PennDOT, apply for REAL ID pre-verification online.

If PennDOT confirms that your documents are on file, you can order your REAL ID online — no need to visit a driver's license center.

HOW DO I ORDER ONE?

Online: pre-verified customers may apply online and receive their REAL IDs in the mail within 15 business days.

In-Person:

  • Visit any PennDOT REAL ID center to have your documents verified and imaged and receive your REAL ID at the time of service.
  • Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged and receive your REAL ID within 15 business days.

"We just are encouraging Pennsylvanians to make a conscious decision before that deadline, so they're prepared -- especially when it comes to flying -- so that they're prepared and are able to board that aircraft before that deadline," said Sandino.

Here's what it looks like: the gold star in the upper right-hand corner means it's a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or photo ID.

Customers who choose to get it will pay a one-time fee of $30 plus renewal fees after that.

"Right now is a great time to get started on the Real ID process," said Sandino.

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