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Pennsylvania Prepares To Start Issuing Real IDs

Ted S. Warren
/
AP

Pennsylvania is about to start issuing driver licenses that allow holders to board commercial airliners and enter certain secure federal facilities when federal Real ID standards take effect in Pennsylvania next year.

The state Department of Transportation plans to issue the so-called Real IDs starting Friday.

Those who want one must bring proof of current address, a Social Security card and proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, to a driver license center.

About 170,000 people who got pre-qualified can order theirs online. There are 10 million holders of Pennsylvania driver licenses and ID cards.

The Real IDs cost $30 and meet federal anti-terrorism standards, but are optional and aren't necessary to legally drive. Federal Real ID standards take effect in Pennsylvania in October 2020.

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