After being on hold for six months, PennDOT is once again issuing Real IDs.

State officials first began issuing the cards in March 2019 but temporarily halted them this spring as Driver License Centers were closed throughout the state in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. During those 12 months, 912,000 people were issued the federally compliant identification cards, according to PennDOT.

It was unclear how many more Real IDs officials are expecting to issue in the next year, leading up to the enforcement deadline of Oct. 1, 2021. The original deadline set for this year was pushed back by the Department of Homeland Security because of the pandemic-related closures. Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said then that states closing or restricting access to their licensing centers made it difficult for citizens to get the new cards in time for the deadline.

That means Pennsylvanians can use their current identification card to board a commercial airplane or enter federal facilities until the deadline. Getting a Real ID is optional.

After Oct. 1, 2021, anyone who doesn’t have a passport, military ID, Real ID or some other form of federally accepted identification will not be allowed to board a commercial airplane or enter a military base or federal building where identification is required for entry.

The changes to Pennsylvania driver’s licenses and identification cards are required under a 2005 law. Pennsylvania has been granted several extensions to come into compliance. All 50 states are now in compliance, according to Homeland Security.

Some Pennsylvania Driver License Centers started reopening in May.

Several documents are required for PennDOT to process a Real ID application: proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, two items proving a current address such as a driver’s license and utility bill and proof of any legal name changes.

The Real ID comes with a one-time cost of $30 plus a renewal fee. Information about Real ID in Pennsylvania is available at dmv.pa.gov/REALID.

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