Real ID preparation from AAA

(File Photo of AAA site)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) May 7th, 2025 is the deadline for those in Pennsylvania and around the United States to have a real ID. According to a release from AAA, to get a real ID, you must have a proof of identity in either a valid passport or the original or certified copy of your birth certificate. The release also states that you need two proofs of your present Pennsylvania address, a proof of all legal name changes and your social security card. Thirteen centers in the State offer a real ID as soon as you go in. However, you must pay a fee that is one-time of $30 and a renewal fee after the upgrade for a real ID.

According to the same release from AAA, here are some options and inquiries to get a real ID and what you need to get one.

Options and inquiries for obtaining a REAL ID:

  • Customers who have been pre-verified may order their REAL ID online, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days.
  • Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and imaged.  The REAL ID will be sent in the mail within 15 business days.
  • Visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers statewide to have documents verified and imaged and receive a REAL ID on-site.
  • Anyone who received their first driver’s license or photo ID after September 2003 may be able to pre-verify for REAL ID. To determine if the required documents are on file with PennDOT, visit www.PennDOT.gov/REALID. Additionally, travelers can consult PennDOT’s website with any questions regarding REAL ID.

What you need for a Real ID:

  • Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).
  • Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).
  • Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificates or court orders approving a legal name change).
  • Two proofs of current, physical PA address (examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or ID, a PA vehicle registration card, or a computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address).

You can click below for a link for the locations to get a real ID.

Click here for the link to find the locations for the 13 Pennsylvania REAL ID Centers.