Why does my license say not for real id purposes

YORK, Pa. — This week's 'Ask Evan' question comes from Kass K. who asks, "Why does my Pennsylvania drivers license read "not for real ID purposes?  So do I have to have an identification card instead of my drivers license? Are drivers licenses not accepted as forms of ID anymore?"

First things first.. yes your PA drivers license is still very much an acceptable form of ID.  You can still use it to to prove you are of age to buy alcohol from a state store of beer distributor.  It will also be sufficient ID at a bar or restaurant to purchase an alcoholic drink.  However, it will not be acceptable forms of ID for other uses.

The Real ID Act, passed by congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 commission`s recommendation that the federal government 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.'  The act also prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver`s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the act`s minimum standards.

So that means a Real ID is required to gain access to a federal building or a military base.  Also, starting October first of this year a Real ID or a passport will be required to fly domestically on a commercial airplane.

Real ID's require an additional fee and additional documentation and the license will be denoted with a star on the top right corner or the license.  If it is not a Real ID it will read 'not for Real ID purposes'.

If you have questions you'd like to ask send an email to [email protected]. Put 'Ask Evan' in the subject line.  You can also reach out on Facebook at Evan Forrester FOX43.  Whatever the topic I'll do my best to track down answers you are looking for.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. Beginning May 7, 2025, all persons must have a REAL ID license for accessing certain Federal buildings, entering nuclear facilities, and boarding commercial flights within the United States.

REAL ID CREDENTIAL

REAL ID compliant driver licenses and Identification credentials have a gold circle with a star in the right corner of the license to indicate it is REAL ID compliant. 

STANDARD ID CREDENTIAL

Non-REAL ID driver licenses and identification credentials display the phrase, "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES" on the front of the credential. 

*If you are using Internet Explorer and the sample licenses are not showing correctly, please maximize your browsing window or use a different browser. 

REAL ID is the new federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs to help prevent fraudulent identification.

Do I need a REAL ID?Why do I need a REAL ID?Is everyone required to get a REAL ID?

You are not required to get a REAL ID; however, starting May 7, 2025, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S. you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The Standard New Jersey driver license can still be used for driving.

When will NJ have REAL ID?When can I get my REAL ID?When should I get my REAL ID?

REAL ID is available at all Licensing Centers by appointment. Upgrade now, or when you are due for renewal.

What is the difference between a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID and a Standard driver license or non-driver ID?

The major difference is that a Standard driver license or non-driver ID will no longer be accepted as identification to fly within the U.S. afterMay 6, 2025. The REAL ID looks like your traditional New Jersey driver license or ID, but with a star in the upper right corner. The Standard driver license or ID looks similar, but instead of a star, it will have the words NOT FOR “REAL ID” PURPOSES printed on it. Both the REAL ID driver license and the Standard driver license are valid for driving.

Will a REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID look different than a Standard driver license or non-driver ID?How do I know I have a REAL ID?

The REAL ID driver license or non-driver ID looks like a traditional New Jersey driver license or non-driver ID, but with a star in the upper right corner. The Standard driver license or ID looks similar, but instead of a star, it will have the words NOT FOR “REAL ID” PURPOSES printed on it.

What do I need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Commission agency to get a REAL ID?What documents do I need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Commission agency to get a REAL ID?What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

People are probably familiar with what they currently need to provide at the Motor Vehicle Commission agency as proof of identification for a Standard ID. They need to have a verifiable Social Security Number, they need to provide 1 document as proof of address and they need to provide identity documents that add up to 6 points according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission guidelines.

For REAL ID there is going to be some New Math happening at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission!

2 + 1 + 6 = REAL ID

What does this mean? It means you will need to bring the following with you to get a REAL ID:

• 2 documents as proof of your address

• 1 document as proof of your Social Security Number

• Identity documents that add up to 6 REAL ID* points

You can use this document selector tool

*Point values are different for a REAL ID vs. a Standard ID

Why are you scanning and storing my information?

It is a federal requirement for security purposes that we scan the documents and keep them securely stored in an encrypted format.

Is my information shared with the federal government?

Yes. Your identification documents will be verified and, under certain circumstances, shared with the federal government. You can find out more by visiting the website DHS website.

Make an appointment here.

Please note that the MVC adds hundreds of REAL ID appointments each day, but demand is very high. We have been working aggressively to move transactions online and improve transaction speeds in our 23 Licensing Centers to expand the capacity to issue REAL IDs, which require an in-person visit.

Can I take care of my transaction online?

We have added more online services, so drivers don't have to visit an agency for certain transactions, such as renewing a standard driver license or non driver ID - so check to see if you can "Skip the Trip" to Motor Vehicle. 

Can your REAL ID act as your driver license?

Yes, a REAL ID driver license is a recognized driver license.

What’s the earliest age you’ll need a REAL ID?

By federal law, people who are 18 and older after May 6, 2025, will need a REAL ID to fly within the U.S. if you do not have a valid passport to use. More information can be found on the federal DHS website.

Will my current driver license or non-driver ID be acceptable as identification to fly within the U.S.?

Only through May 6, 2025. Starting May 7, 2025, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The Standard New Jersey driver license can still be used for driving.

Why does my NJ license say not for REAL ID purposes?

Is REAL ID mandatory in NJ?

Who needs REAL ID in PA?

How do I get a REAL ID license in NJ?