REAL ID results in long waiting lines at driver’s license center

At long last, REAL IDs are available this month to Pennsylvanians who want them.

That could explain why the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver License Center in Mahoning Township was swarming with people on Friday.

At one point, people could be seen standing in lines outside the center. Inside the center, people could be seen patiently waiting their turn.

Some, such as Glenn Troutman of Lehighton, were visibly frustrated with the wait.

“I’m here to pay my $30,” Troutman said. “I’ve been here for an hour now, and I have another two hours to wait.”

Gary White of Nesquehoning said he came to the center to obtain his REAL ID.

“My driver’s license expires next Wednesday,” White said. “I thought, why not do it all at once?

“Look at this place.”

The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed by Congress after Sept. 11, 2001, that establishes specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes, such as entering a federal building or boarding a domestic commercial flight.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card or an acceptable alternative ID to board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal facility without a secondary form identification approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Federal REAL ID standards take effect in Pennsylvania on Oct. 2, 2020.

The REAL IDs cost $30 and meet federal anti-terrorism standards, but are optional and aren’t necessary to legally drive.

Until May 2017, state law prohibited PennDOT from complying with the federal REAL ID Act. Act 3 of 2017 repealed this prior legislation and allowed PennDOT to seek REAL ID compliance.

REAL ID is optional for state residents, and they may be able to get either a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a standard driver’s license or identification card.

Those who have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or another federally approved identification may use this as their form of identification to pass a TSA checkpoint at airports nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installations at any time.

REAL ID driver’s license or identification card are not needed to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans’ Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.) enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office), access a hospital or receive lifesaving services, or participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)

To obtain one, apply online (pre-verified non-CDL customers only); visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged, and receive your REAL ID within 15 business days; or visit a REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged and receive your REAL ID at the time of service.

For more information, visit https://www.dmv.pa.gov/pages/real-id-frequently-asked-questions.aspx.