REAL ID Gets Real for Pennsylvania Travelers

Posted - March 17, 2017
Following a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 that “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits Federal agencies such as the TSA from accepting, for official purposes, licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. 

Pennsylvania and several other states have declined to adopt the Federal standards. In fact, the state legislature passed Act 38 of 2012 requiring Pennsylvania to opt-out of REAL ID. Legislators were concerned with the burden and cost to consumers and the Department of Transportation to reissue driver’s licenses that would contain a lot more information. Pennsylvania and other states have received multiple extensions to comply, but the following deadlines are looming:
 
  • January 22, 2018: Passengers who have a driver’s license from a state that is 1) not compliant and 2) has not received an extension, will have to show another form of ID for domestic air travel (i.e. a passport or passport card). If Pennsylvania is able to receive an extension, they will still be able to use their state ID as usual for these flights. If PA does not receive an extension, 2018 travelers should be prepared with their passport or passport card.
  • October 1, 2020: Every air traveler, no exception, will need to present a REAL ID or another form of ID for domestic travel (i.e. passport or passport card).
A passport card is a credit-card size U.S. passport that, just like a passport book, is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. At $30, it is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from:
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • The Caribbean
  • Bermuda
Passport cards are valid for 10 years for applicants 16 and older and 5 years for applicants under 16.

The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
While the Governor and Legislature are determining which course of action to take to bring Pennsylvania into compliance with REAL ID requirements, those with future travel plans would be wise to obtain a passport or passport card to avoid any issues at airports. Due to an expected influx in passport applications this year, apply for your passport early. Stay tuned, in case additional extensions are granted.