PennDOT is reminding Pennsylvanians that fly that they can still use their current driver’s license or ID card to board a commercial aircraft.
Originally, this Monday, Jan. 22 was the date that Pennsylvania travelers would have to start using a passport to board a flight or enter a federal facility because their current licenses don’t comply with federal REAL-ID laws.
However, the commonwealth is under a REAL ID enforcement extension, meaning the state has until Oct. 10, 2018 to comply and enforcement won’t start until Oct. 1, 2020.
PennDOT anticipates that REAL-ID compliant licenses and ID cards will be available in the spring of 2019.
“We understand that there is a lot of information out in the public about REAL ID,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “We want to assure Pennsylvanians that their current licenses are acceptable for boarding commercial flights and entering federal buildings.”
A federally-accepted form of identification (whether it’s the forthcoming 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 October 1, 2020.
More information about REAL ID, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.