HARRISBURG — On Monday, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that the department has been notified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that Pennsylvania is in full compliance with the federal REAL ID Act and regulation.

“This DHS designation is the culmination of countless hours of PennDOT employees’ efforts to meet federal requirements and ensure smooth travel and services for Pennsylvanians,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “I am gratified that our optional program is in place well ahead of the federal deadline of next fall and we are providing convenient, secure services for customers.”

PennDOT has issued more than 138,000 REAL IDs since they became available on March 1.

“I am extremely proud of our team for reaching this designation and for also implementing an enhanced customer experience at our new and retrofitted centers,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “I strongly urge customers who may want a REAL ID to do so as soon as possible to avoid a potential rush at next year’s deadline.”

A federally accepted form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building on and after Oct. 1, 2020. There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID and PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.

Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT verify a customer’s identity, social security number, Pennsylvania residency, and name changes (if applicable), even if a customer already has a PA driver’s license or ID card. More information about document requirements, including a printable document checklist (PDF), can be found on the Document Check page of the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.