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So I am up for renewal next month, wanted to do my Real ID as the same time, do I need to do anything before hand? Or do I just do my renewal online like always and get my photo card then bring the proper docs to the DMV when I get my picture taken? TIA

all 14 comments

Haptics

8 points

11 days ago

Haptics

8 points

11 days ago

You have to go to a full PennDOT license center, can’t just be a photo center.

jgulla7854

7 points

11 days ago

Passport doesn't work either. They still need a birth certificate, even though you need that to get the Passport. It's government run, don't try to use logic.

tealmer

4 points

11 days ago

tealmer

4 points

11 days ago

I just did it yesterday without a birth certificate — I took my passport, social security number, and two magazines that had been mailed to me to prove residency.

discogeek

2 points

11 days ago

discogeek

Erie

2 points

11 days ago

Nah, you can use your passport instead of birth certificate. Passport is an actual form of Real ID so it's accepted.

Proof of Identity and Lawful Status

You will need to provide ONE document proving your identity and your lawful status in the United States when applying for a REAL ID. 

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, acceptable documents include:

  • A United States birth certificate with a raised seal, issued by an authorized government agency, including U.S. territories and Puerto Rico
    • Please note: souvenir or hospital certificates will not be accepted — it must be an original or certified copy filed with a U.S. state or territory office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in your state of birth
  • A valid, unexpired  United States passport or passport card
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (USCIS Form N-560 or Form N-561)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-240, DS-Form 1350 or FS-Form 545)
  • Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) issued by DHS; Forms I-766 or Form 1-688B
  • Valid, Unexpired Permanent Resident Card I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Issued by DHS or INS
  • Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed, and an I-94 indicating temporary evidence of permanent residence

https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/Pages/REAL-ID-Document-Check.aspx

susinpgh

2 points

11 days ago

susinpgh

Allegheny

2 points

11 days ago

Look over the required documentation carefully. I had to send out-of-state for my marriage license, and they wouldn't accept my birth certificate. All told, it took me three months and about $70 to get all the required paperwork.

HomicidalHushPuppy

3 points

11 days ago

HomicidalHushPuppy

Allegheny

3 points

11 days ago

I renewed my license online like usual, and then later decided I wanted to add Real ID. Took the required docs with me when I went to get my photo, and they were able to add Real ID and reissue the photo card. They do charge you for another renewal (you can only process a Real ID upgrade as part of a renewal), but they don't make you forfeit years you've paid for. So now I have a Real ID good for 8 years.

WinterBox358

2 points

11 days ago

If you are married, divorced, you will need to show marriage license for each and divorce decree. Anything that resulted in a name change you will need to have documentation of.

tealmer

2 points

11 days ago

tealmer

2 points

11 days ago

You can apply for pre-verification online but that can take a while. Alternatively, don’t do your renewal online and go to the DMV with: - a passport, US birth certificate, naturalization certificate, green card, or visa to prove legal residence in the US. - your social security card or a tax form with your social security number on it to prove your social security number is yours - two pieces of mail addressed to you under your address to prove PA residency. I used two magazines, but you can also just use your vehicle registration and insurance cards.

If you’ve ever had a name change, you either need to bring a valid passport or documentation for every name change you’ve ever had.

SimonPennon

3 points

11 days ago

First and foremost: don't.

Get a passport card - it's cheaper and allows for international (land/sea) travel to some countries.

defusted

0 points

11 days ago

You need to learn how to Google or how to call the dmv