As the deadline for REAL ID compliant identification to fly approaches, AAA East Central advises travelers to act fast if they are choosing to apply for identification that complies with the federal program.

Beginning on Oct. 1st, all U.S. residents will need a compliant license/ID or an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight, access a Federal facility, enter a military base or a nuclear power plant. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers a current passport or military ID acceptable identification for boarding an aircraft.

“While the deadline is ten months away, the time will fly by before we know it,” says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central. “Anyone who is interested in applying for the compliant identification should get their documents in order now to avoid waiting in long lines later this year with other last-minute applicants.”

Pennsylvanians have a choice as to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card. For anyone who decides to upgrade to a REAL ID, they’ll pay a one-time fee of $30 and a renewal fee (which is currently $30.50 for a standard, non-commercial driver’s license). With the exception of anyone older than 65 who has opted for a two-year license, the expiration date on a new REAL ID will include any time left on a current product, plus another four years.

Options for obtaining a REAL ID: Apply online (for pre-verified customers only); visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and imaged. Then, the REAL ID will be received in the mail within 15 business days or visit one of 12 REAL ID Centers statewide to have documents verified and imaged, and receive a REAL ID on site.

For anyone who received their first driver’s license or photo ID prior to September 2003, they may be able to pre-verify for REAL ID. To find out if your required documents are on file with PennDOT, visit www.PennDOT.gov/REALID.

Federal regulations require that PennDOT must verify the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID-compliant product: 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 change of legal name) and 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).