Pa. Driver's License Will No Longer Count As Federal ID

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvanians may need an alternative, secure form of identification to get into federal facilities starting Jan. 30 because of a state law barring compliance with the federal REAL ID Act.

Gov. Tom Wolf's administration said Thursday that the federal Department of Homeland Security put the state on notice this week.

A 2012 state law prohibits Pennsylvania from participating in the 2005 federal law's requirements. The Real ID Act, passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, imposes tougher requirements for proof of legal U.S. residency in order for state driver's licenses to be valid for federal purposes.

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Pennsylvania must comply or provide a reason why an extension to comply should be granted. The only exception is to apply for or receive federal benefits.

In 2018, Pennsylvanians could need an alternative form of identification to board a commercial flight. Pennsylvanians would have to find another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport or other federally issued identification.

Twenty-three other states and the District of Columbia are in compliance, while others are under review or have been granted limited extensions, DHS reported on its website .

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