Emphasizes customer service, flexibility as plans develop.
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania today submitted a request for a REAL ID enforcement extension from the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Pennsylvania’s current extension, which applies to residents access to federal facilities, will expire on October 10, 2017. There is no enforcement on commercial air travel until January 22, 2018.
We have developed a plan that will make it as easy as possible to opt-in for a REAL ID while minimizing impacts to the rest of our customers, PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. We are confident that the Department of Homeland Security will see the progress we’ve made and look favorably on granting an additional extension to Pennsylvania so our customers will not face access issues.
Per federal requirements, persons without a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID must present an alternative form of DHS-compliant identification unless the state issuing the driver’s license or photo ID has an extension granted by DHS. Starting October 1, 2020, all air travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo identification card or an acceptable alternative identification as approved by the Transportation Security Administration to board domestic commercial aircraft or enter a federal facility that requires identification without a secondary form of DHS-approved identification.
The extension request includes PennDOT’s plan to meet the REAL ID requirements for customers choosing to obtain a REAL ID product. The plan is focused on an efficient, straightforward approach emphasizing on customer service.
Information on REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions, is available at www.dmv.pa.gov.