Angela Fitterer, Executive Deputy Secretary | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
With federal REAL ID enforcement set to begin next week, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, along with officials from Williamsport Airport and the American Automobile Association (AAA), have emphasized the importance for Pennsylvanians to be ready for air travel changes. This initiative is part of the Shapiro Administration's effort to keep residents informed about federal REAL ID requirements.
Although obtaining a REAL ID remains optional in Pennsylvania, starting on Wednesday, May 7, travelers will need to present either a REAL ID driver’s license or an ID card, or another accepted form of federal identification, like a valid passport or military ID, in order to board domestic flights and enter military bases or federal facilities that require identification. Since the option was introduced in 2019, over 2.8 million Pennsylvanians have secured a REAL ID.
Secretary Carroll stated, "People look forward to traveling with friends and family on vacation or business," but emphasized the necessity of having a REAL ID or a passport after next Wednesday, as without one, individuals will not be allowed to board domestic flights. Carroll urged everyone to be proactive about their travel arrangements before arriving at airports, especially those with summer travel plans.
Among those who spoke at the event were Eric B. McKitish, CEO of Williamsport Regional Airport; Mike Carroll, Secretary of PennDOT; and Nina Waskevich, Vice President for Brands and Marketing at AAA North Penn.
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