The state House has approved legislation proposed by state Representative Kerry Benninghoff that aims to expand the number of acceptable documents for the REAL ID application process in Pennsylvania. The bill, which was passed unanimously, will now be considered by the state Senate.
Benninghoff noted the limitations imposed by current federal laws regarding changes to the REAL ID application process. He stated, “With the date looming for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, my legislation would simply allow applicants to present multiple forms of identification.”
House Bill 238 mandates that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) must accept several documents as part of the application for a REAL ID, including a Social Security Card, W-2 form, SSA 1099 form, non-SSA 1099 form, and a pay stub that meets REAL ID requirements.
Starting May 7, federal law will require individuals to show a federally accepted form of identification to board domestic flights or enter secure federal buildings. Such forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 set minimum security standards for license issuance and production. It also prevents certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet these standards for specific purposes.
