The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will hold a special REAL ID Day at its New Castle Driver License Center on Monday, March 24, to help residents obtain federally compliant identification before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Castle Driver License Center, located at 973 Old Youngstown Road, is part of a statewide initiative to increase access to REAL IDs, according to a PennDOT news release.

“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “Because we’re seeing an increase in demand, we decided to offer our REAL ID Days as a way to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public and providing them with the best possible customer service.”

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another federally acceptable form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, will be required to board domestic commercial flights, enter military bases, and access certain federal facilities.

While obtaining a REAL ID is optional, PennDOT is urging residents to prepare ahead of the deadline. The special REAL ID Day in New Castle will focus exclusively on processing REAL ID applications.

Applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of Pennsylvania residency, and proof of any legal name changes. Detailed information regarding required documentation is available on PennDOT’s website.

The one-time REAL ID fee is $30, in addition to standard renewal fees.

PennDOT also reminds residents that many driver license and vehicle transactions can be completed online at www.pa.gov/dmv, including address changes, license renewals, and obtaining driver history records.