The Department of Homeland Security announced that as of Jan. 22, 2018, travelers who have driver’s licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an extension will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel.

Because Pennsylvania is currently under a REAL ID extension, travelers with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issued driver’s licenses or ID cards may continue to use their standard driver’s licenses to board commercial aircraft or enter federal facilities that require ID until at least October 10, 2018.

PennDOT anticipates that REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards will be available to customers that want them in spring 2019, and will continue to apply for extensions from DHS until becoming REAL ID compliant.

A federally-accepted form of identification such as the forthcoming Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, such as a U.S. Passport/Passport Card or a military ID, 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.