Still need a Real ID? PennDOT sets dedicated time to apply at Milford license center

• Milford's license center will be open for four hours on Monday, March 31, for Real ID applications.
• The ID will allow people to board domestic flights and gain access to certain federal facilities after enforcement starts in May.

Additional opportunities are being scheduled for Pennsylvania residents to obtain a Real ID driver's license, which will allow them to board commercial, domestic flights and gain access to certain federal facilities. A dedicated Real ID event has been announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at the Milford license center in Pike County for Monday, March 31.

The hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The license center is located at 201 W. Harford St./Route 6, Milford.

May 7 is the federal enforcement deadline.

According to PennDOT, more than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to obtain a Real ID license.

“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton stated in a press release. “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.”

A Real ID or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, will be required to board domestic commercial flights, enter a military base or enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID, PennDOT states.

A valid passport will still be required for international travel.

Documents needed for Real ID

The following documents must be presented when applying for Real ID:

• Proof of identity, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
• Proof of Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, a W-2 form, an SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form or a pay stub.
• Two proofs of current address, such as an unexpired Pennsylvania driver's license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address.
• Proof of all legal name changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document), such as a marriage certificate, court order approving a name change, or adoption decree.

Real ID fees in Pennsylvania

"When a customer gets their first REAL ID, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID)," PennDOT states. "The expiration date of their initial REAL ID will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license."

This is so that customers don't lose time they've already paid for, PennDOT explained.

The PennDOT press release further states that customers may obtain a Real ID-compliant product by mail or over the counter, once they present the proper documentation and pay the applicable fee.

If the application was made at a license center, they may receive the ID in the mail within 15 days.

They can receive it over the counter, if the application was made at one of PennDOT’s 15 Real ID-compliant centers. Milford's center is not among those.

"Customers who received their first Pennsylvania driver's license, learner's permit, or photo ID card after September 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documentation on file with PennDOT. These customers can apply for REAL ID pre-verification and order their REAL ID online," PennDOT states.

For more information, visit: pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.

Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.