All PA Drivers license centers are able to process Real ID requests, and verify the documents, the only downside is you at most will have to wait 15 days to receive it in the mail.
"Driver License Centers verify your documents, but your REAL ID will be mailed within 15 business days."
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/driver-licensing-faqs/real-id-faqs.html
So if you don't have any travel coming up within 15 days, just save yourself a couple of hours and go to a regular Driver's license center that doesnt offer same day Real ID printing, bring your documents, and they will process them, you will pay, and they will ship you your new ID.
I did this, and was in and out within an hour, a couple days later I got my real ID in the mail.
I have a trip coming up in June, and need to get my real id. I’m aware that the cutoff for needing a real ID to board a plane is may 7 (tomorrow) but I went to the only Real ID center in my area on Friday (and I have been to this dmv before, walked in and walked out with my ID in a couple short hours) and the line went around the building. I decided to come back before opening time on Tuesday, got there 20 minutes before they opened and again, a line around the building. I can’t really stand around that long due to some physical issues, so again, I went home. Hoping that I can come back after the 7th and it won’t be so freaking busy, but is this just how it is now?
Has anyone tried to get a REAL ID from there recently? I have a kiddo that needs a real ID for a flight to her Dad’s next month, and we tried to go to the DMV on Lincoln Highway last week and ended up waiting hours before I had to get back to work and weren’t able to get one. The line just to get in the building was out by Burlingtons doors! Is the one on Roherstown any better? I can’t miss anymore work just to wait forever.
Given the reported issues with wait times to get a PA drivers license/ REAL ID, what do you recommend to get through this experience with the least amount of time, headache, & suffering? Should we consider driving to a rural / remote DMV? Please provide your best & worst experiences, so we can plan. Many many tia
Background. I moved to PA from NJ last spring. My NJ license is still valid so I haven't transferred it over yet. But it expires in March and I know some states take forever to get a DMV appointment.
I've been playing on the state's website and I'm confused about driver's license centers. Are they like a DMV office in another state? Also worth noting. I will need a Real ID since I travel (domestically) for work and my passport expired last millennium.
Can someone help me. I'm in Bucks County but I'm willing to go elsewhere if needed.
Just wanted to share my experience getting the Real ID today. My passport recently expired and I learned I have to fly in a few weeks for work so opted the Real ID route.
Was on PTO today and got to the King of Prussia same-day center today at 7:45am. The line was already INSANE, wrapped allll around the parking lot.
Doors opened at 8:30am, waited outside for about 3 hours. Once inside, everyone felt like we’ve “made it”. WRONG! There was a check in line worked by one employee, verifying everyone’s documents and distributing tickets. This was about a 45min wait.
Once I got my ticket, #i131, I sat down and looked at the screen to see that they were now servicing ticket #i061. All I can say is…come prepared. Not just with your documents but bring water, make sure you eat before, bring snacks, bring a portable charger and headphones. I was feeling pretty faint and honestly contemplating ordering DoorDash lol. Phone was dying but there was a lot of open air drama so that kept my mind busy for awhile 😅.
There were about 20 service counters and only 6 being worked so I think this was definitely an overwhelmed and understaffed issue
Once it’s your turn, the process is pretty quick and easy. The employees at the service counters were honestly very nice. I was on my way out at around 3pm. Bummed that it took up the whole day but it is what it is now. Met some nice people in the same boat as myself so it was nice that we were all able to help each other pass time time. The center closes at 4:15pm and the line was just as long as when I showed up in the morning so when leaving, was curious how they manage that. Not sure if they turned people away or stayed open but moral of the story: just renew your passport when it expires (if you have time), if you have to get the Real ID - come early, prepared, and don’t have any other plans for the day.