Having a Real ID is a new requirement for domestic air travel in the United States, meaning anyone flying out of Philadelphia may need one to board a plane. That includes felons, who aren’t barred from getting Real IDs just because of their criminal histories.

To get a Real ID, felon or not, you must present certain documents that prove your identity, lawful status in the U.S., Social Security number, and your Pennsylvania residency. You currently only need a Real ID to fly within the United States and enter certain federal buildings; however, these IDs may have additional uses in the future.

For a free case assessment from our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers, call the Liberty Law Team now at (215) 826-3314.

Can a Felon Get a Real ID in Philadelphia?

Since felons lose certain rights upon conviction, it makes sense to have questions about whether they can obtain a Real ID after their release. Fortunately, your criminal record doesn’t preclude you from obtaining this form of documentation.

To obtain a Real ID, felons can visit any Real ID Center in Pennsylvania. You can get a Real ID the same day by taking this route. If you visit a PennDOT Driver License Center, your Real ID may take a few days to be processed and mailed to you.

The only Real ID Center in Philadelphia is located at 2904 South 70th Street, though there are several Driver License Centers in the area where you can also obtain a Real ID.

Don’t assume that a previous criminal conviction bars you from procuring a Real ID, and call our criminal defense lawyers with any additional questions you have.

Do Felons Have to Wait to Get Real IDs in Pennsylvania?

You don’t have to wait to seek a Real ID once you are released from prison for a felony conviction in Pennsylvania. Parole conditions may strictly limit your ability to travel, so you may be unable to use your Real ID for some time after obtaining it.

That said, it may take felons longer to gather the necessary documents for a Real ID. Not having your birth certificate or Social Security card, a valid driver’s license, or a permanent address are common roadblocks to obtaining Real IDs for felons.

Felons can apply for certified copies of birth certificates or Social Security cards if they need such documents to get Real IDs. These requests sometimes take months to be processed, so keep that in mind if you have a schedule trip out of the state.

Some felons may need to wait to obtain Real IDs if their driver’s licenses are revoked during their parole, as this is the easiest proof of Pennsylvania residency.

Why Do Felons Need to Get Real IDs?

Like anyone else, felons now need a Real ID to fly domestically. You may also get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license in Philadelphia.

Real IDs enhance security on domestic flights and are standard forms of identification from state to state. Real IDs are also required to enter certain federal buildings, and their uses might expand over time.

If you don’t have a Real ID, you may fly domestically with a current passport or another TSA-approved form of identification. If you have never traveled outside of the country, you may not have a passport, making getting a Real ID crucial for domestic travel.

Currently, a Real ID is not required to vote in Pennsylvania. Felons typically get their right to vote automatically restored after being released from prison. You may have to re-register, however, as your previous registration might not be up to date.

What Documents Do Felons Need to Get a Real ID in Philadelphia?

Like anyone else, felons must present specific documents to obtain a Real ID in Philadelphia. Collecting all these documents can be challenging for anyone, but especially so for recently released felons, so please reach out with any questions. Depending on when you got your driver’s license, PennDOT may already have many of your required documents on file, unless they are outdated.

Proof of Identity and Lawful Status

To obtain a Real ID in Pennsylvania, you must provide one document that proves your identity and lawful status. A birth certificate with a raised seal is sufficient, as is a valid U.S. passport or passport card. The following are other documents you may use to prove your identity and lawful status:

  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Valid Green Card
  • Unexpired foreign passport with a U.S. visa and proof of permanent residence
  • Proof of Social Security Number

You must also provide proof of your Social Security number (SSN) when seeking a Real ID. Documents that prove your Social Security number include a W-2 form, a pay stub with your complete Social Security number, and, of course, your Social Security card.

If you don’t have your Social Security card, which is often the easiest way to prove your SSN, you may request a free replacement.

Proof of Pennsylvania Residency

Anyone who wants a Real ID, regardless of whether they are a convicted felon or not, must provide two documents proving their Pennsylvania residency. An updated driver’s license or state-issued photo ID card is acceptable proof of residency. The following are other acceptable documents to prove residency:

  • Utility bill with name and address
  • Tax records
  • W-2 form
  • Pennsylvania vehicle registration card
  • Car insurance card
  • Lease agreements
  • Mortgage documents

Any mail that has gone through the U.S. postal service also proves your Pennsylvania residency for Real ID purposes.

Proof of Legal Name Change if Applicable

If your legal name differs from the name on your identity-proving documents, you must also prove proof of the legal name change. If your passport shows your current legal name, you do not have to provide these documents.

Call Our Philadelphia Attorneys for Help Today

Call the Upper Darby, PA criminal defense lawyers at the Liberty Law Team today at (215) 826-3314 for a free case review.