HANOVER TWP. — Dickson City resident Laurie Schield is flying to Puerto Rico this week and waited until the last minute to get a REAL ID, a federal requirement to board domestic flights as of Wednesday.
It wasn’t an easy task.
When she visited the driver’s license center in Dunmore last week, staff there told her they don’t issue REAL ID cards immediately, that she’d get one in the mail in another week. They suggested she go to Hanover Twp. center, which issues same-day REAL ID cards.
Staff advised her to find a copy of her marriage license to bring, along with a birth certificate and Social Security card. But she was initially rejected on her first trip to the Hanover Twp. location because she was told she needed a copy of her first marriage license as well.
“All this for an ID,” Schield said. “This is the craziest thing ever.”
The Hanover Twp. facility opened Monday, a day it’s usually closed, just for the issuance of REAL ID cards. While there was a large morning rush, most people were able to walk in and get a new card within 20 minutes by late afternoon.
This sample image provided by PennDOT shows the white star in a gold circle indicative of a Real ID drivers license.
As per federal law, REAL ID cards are now required to board domestic flights, visit a military base or enter most federal buildings. There is a one-time $30 fee.
A REAL ID looks like a standard driver’s license or identification card, but has enhanced security features and includes a gold star in the top right corner.
Pennsylvanians applying for a REAL ID need to bring one document proving their identity and lawful status in the United States, one document proving their Social Security number, and two documents proving Pennsylvania residency.
“We’re going all over the universe for this,” said Schield’s son, Richard Johns, 45. “It’s harder to get than a passport.”
Jordan Tolerico, 25, of Carbondale, visited the Hanover Twp. center on Monday because he needed a REAL ID for his new job on federal property. He said the process was smooth for him.
“I was actually in and out,” Tolerico said.
Barbara Beggs, 76, of Newport Twp., said her experience getting a REAL ID in Hanover Twp. on Monday was also easy.
“I got one because I do travel and my passport expires next year,” Beggs said.
Kristi Noem, the head of Homeland Security, told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.
Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.
“But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.