Get a REAL ID in Pennsylvania

Get a Pennsylvania REAL ID: pre-verify and order online, or bring originals to a REAL ID Center or Driver License Center. One-time $30 fee.

Online?No, one visitBring original documents to a REAL ID Center or a Driver License Center.
Office visitOne visitPennDOT's REAL ID pages don't mention appointments.
Cost$30 one-time feeStandard renewal fees apply when you renew. PennDOT's example: $30 + $39.50 license renewal = $69.50.
You leave withSame day or by mailSame day at a REAL ID Center; mailed within 15 business days from a Driver License Center.

Your situation

Was your first Pennsylvania license, permit or photo ID issued after September 2003, and have your name, date of birth and gender stayed the same since your last card?

Your personal information must also match PennDOT's records. Then PennDOT may already have your documents on file. Non-U.S. citizens and REAL ID CDL applicants must apply in person.

Is your current legal name different from the name on your proof of identity?

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Accepted documents (bring 1)
      • U.S. birth certificate with a raised seal (issued by a government agency, not a hospital)
      • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
      • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
      • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
      • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
      • Valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
      • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766 or I-688B)
    • Accepted documents (bring 1)
      • Social Security card
      • W-2
      • SSA-1099 or non-SSA-1099
      • Pay stub with your full number
    • Accepted documents (bring 2)
      • Current PA driver's license or photo ID
      • PA vehicle registration card or auto insurance card
      • Utility bill with your name and address
      • W-2, pay stub or tax records
      • Lease or mortgage document

  2. Choose where to go

    A REAL ID Center checks your documents and issues the card the same day; PennDOT calls it the fastest option. At a Driver License Center staff check your documents and the card is mailed within 15 business days.

    Apply for REAL ID on pa.gov ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Hospital or souvenir birth certificates are not accepted.
  • Residency proofs must be physical documents, not electronic ones.

Offices that issue REAL ID

PennDOT issues REAL ID at REAL ID Centers (same day) and Driver License Centers (card by mail). Agency source.

76 offices in Pennsylvania
28 other offices that handle licenses

Neither the office's service list nor the agency says these offices issue REAL ID. Call the office before you go.

Results show offices that issue REAL ID or may, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

Sources · checked October 30, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMVorganization.org is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.