In preparation for the upcoming Federal REAL ID enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced special REAL ID service hours at the Schuylkill Haven Driver License Center.
On Monday, October 7, 2024, the Schuylkill Haven DMV, located at 972 East Main Street, will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM specifically to help residents obtain their REAL ID.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers are prepared for REAL ID enforcement on May 7, 2025,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “By offering these special hours on a day when the Schuylkill Haven center is usually closed, we’re giving our customers another opportunity to get their REAL ID and avoid any last-minute rush.”
While obtaining a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, beginning May 7, 2025, residents will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another form of federally accepted identification, such as a passport or military ID, to:
- Board domestic commercial flights.
- Enter military bases.
- Access federal facilities that require ID.
For those unsure about whether a REAL ID is necessary, PennDOT offers an online wizard to help residents make the right choice.
Documents Needed for REAL ID at Schuylkill Haven DMV
To get a REAL ID, residents must bring the following documents for verification:
- Proof of Identity: An original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: This must display the full nine digits of the Social Security Number, such as a Social Security card or a W-2 form.
- Two Proofs of PA Address: Examples include a utility bill, vehicle registration, or PA driver's license with your current address.
- Proof of Legal Name Changes: Required if your current legal name differs from the one on your proof of identity (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
For complete details about document requirements, residents are encouraged to visit PennDOT’s REAL ID website.
REAL ID Costs and Expiration Information
First-time REAL ID applicants will need to pay a one-time fee of $30, in addition to the regular renewal fee. The REAL ID will expire four years after the expiration date of the current license, allowing customers to keep any time already paid for. Customers over 65 with a two-year license will follow a different renewal schedule.
How to Receive Your REAL ID
Once the proper documents have been presented and fees paid at the Schuylkill Haven DMV, customers can expect to receive their REAL ID in the mail within 15 days. Alternatively, residents may visit one of PennDOT’s 14 REAL ID Centers to receive their REAL ID on the spot.
Additionally, Pennsylvanians who received their first driver's license or ID after September 1, 2003, may already have the necessary documents on file with PennDOT. These individuals can apply for REAL ID pre-verification online and have their REAL ID mailed to them.
For more information, including a full list of PennDOT locations and services, visit www.dmv.pa.gov.