The documents PennDOT requires for a Real ID
Pennsylvania's Real ID requires you to bring six categories of documents to a PennDOT office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Pennsylvania residency, proof of legal presence, a completed process form, and payment. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary — you do not need all of them, only one from each category that matches your situation.
Real ID is a federal standard that makes your Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Without it, you will need a passport or other federal ID for those purposes starting May 7, 2025. Pennsylvania began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and you can request one when you renew or replace your license.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document from each of six categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, legal presence, a signed process, and payment method.
- A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate works for identity; a Social Security card or tax return works for your SSN.
- For residency, PennDOT accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days.
- Proof of legal presence usually means your U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — foreign documents do not satisfy this requirement.
- Bring originals or certified copies; PennDOT will not accept photocopies or digital images for most documents.
Identity documents PennDOT will accept
You must bring one document that proves your identity and shows your name, date of birth, and photograph or physical description. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest option because it satisfies both identity and legal presence in one document. If you do not have a passport, a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate works for identity, though you will still need a separate document for legal presence.
Other acceptable identity documents include a valid driver's license or ID card from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid foreign passport paired with a visa or I-94 arrival record. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Proof of Social Security number
PennDOT needs to verify your Social Security number but does not require you to bring your Social Security card. An original or certified copy of your Social Security card is the most straightforward option. If you do not have the card, you can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document from the current or prior year that shows your full Social Security number.
A letter from the Social Security Administration is also acceptable. You can request one online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The letter takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. If you have never had a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Proof of Pennsylvania residency
You must show that you live in Pennsylvania. PennDOT accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Pennsylvania address. If you recently moved and your name does not yet appear on a utility bill or lease, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease.
Other acceptable residency documents include a property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, vehicle registration, or a letter from a government agency (such as PennDOT, the IRS, or a county office) dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a family member and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a signed affidavit from that person stating you live there, along with their proof of residency and a copy of your lease or a document showing the address where you receive mail.
Proof of legal presence in the United States
Real ID requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate is the standard document for citizens. If you were born outside the United States, bring your U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. A Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also works.
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice. Foreign birth certificates, visas, or travel documents do not satisfy this requirement on their own. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. passport. Bring the original document or a certified copy — PennDOT will not accept photocopies.
process form and payment
You must complete form DL-44 (process for a Pennsylvania Driver's License or Identification Card) before you arrive at the PennDOT office. You can read it from the PennDOT website or pick one up at any PennDOT office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and signature. Sign the form in front of the PennDOT staff member — do not sign it beforehand.
Real ID costs the same as a standard Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $35.50 and an eight-year license costs $71. Payment methods vary by location; most PennDOT offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices accept online payment before your appointment. Check your local PennDOT office website to see what payment methods they take.
What to bring: a checklist by document type
| Category | Document options | Must be original or certified? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, out-of-state driver's license, military ID, tribal ID, or foreign passport with visa/I-94 | Yes |
| Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return, or SSA letter | Original or certified for card; copy acceptable for tax forms |
| Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or government letter (dated within 60 days) | No — copy acceptable |
| Legal presence | U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or green card | Yes |
| process | Form DL-44, signed in front of PennDOT staff | Original |
| Payment | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card (varies by office) | N/A |
Name changes and document updates
If your name has changed since you received your identity document, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. PennDOT will update your license to reflect your current legal name. If your birth certificate shows a different name than the one you use now, bring both the original birth certificate and the document that proves the change.
If any of your documents are damaged, lost, or illegible, contact the issuing agency for a replacement. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. For a naturalization certificate, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Replacements usually take two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents?
No. PennDOT requires original documents or certified copies for identity and legal presence documents. Photocopies and photos taken on your phone are not acceptable. You can bring a copy of your residency document, but identity and legal presence documents must be originals or certified by the issuing agency.
What if I was born outside the U.S. but am a citizen?
Bring your U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Citizenship, or naturalization certificate. If you have a foreign birth certificate, it does not satisfy the legal presence requirement on its own — you need a U.S. document that proves citizenship. A U.S. passport is the fastest option because it covers both identity and legal presence.
Do I need to make an appointment at PennDOT?
Most PennDOT offices now require appointments, which you can book on the PennDOT website. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations on a limited basis, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. Check your local office's hours and appointment availability before you go.
What if my residency document is older than 60 days?
PennDOT will not accept residency documents dated more than 60 days before your visit. If your documents are older, ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a new statement. Many companies issue statements monthly at no charge. If you recently moved, a signed letter from your landlord on their letterhead works as a substitute.
Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me?
No. You must appear in person at the PennDOT office to sign the process form and have your photograph taken. A family member or representative cannot complete the process for you, even with a power of attorney.