PennDOT ecourages Pennsylvanians to prepare for federal REAL ID enforcement

WILKES-BARRE — With the start of federal REAL ID enforcement beginning in less than a month, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and the American Automobile Association, are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now.

Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification — such as a valid passport or military ID — to board a domestic commercial flight, and enter a military base or other federal facilities that require ID at the door.

More than 2.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019.

“We know that people look forward to traveling with friends and family,” Carroll said. “But after May 7, if you don’t have a REAL ID or a passport, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight. We’re strongly encouraging everyone to make sure you have what you need to travel before you arrive at the airport, especially if you already have flights planned for the summer.”

PennDOT is hosting a series of REAL ID Days at driver license centers across the commonwealth, when centers are typically closed.

On April 7, more than 9,700 customers received their REAL ID, and the average statewide wait time was only 22 minutes. A complete schedule of REAL ID Days events can be found on PennDOT’s website.

“We recommend that your pre-travel checklist for flights after May 7 contains a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card,” said Carl Beardsley, Executive Director of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. “You’ll need one for a smooth check-in to avoid delays with your travel plans.”

A passport is still needed for international travel.

“We don’t want anyone with current or future travel plans to be blindsided when they arrive at the airport and find out they and their families aren’t allowed to fly,” said Nina Waskevich, Vice President, Brand and Membership, AAA North “We recommend that everybody stop and think if there will ever be any reason whatsoever that they think they would need to fly domestically, or enter a federal facility. If yes, don’t put REAL ID on hold.”

Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents:

• Proof of identity

• Proof of Social Security number

• Two proofs of current, physical PA address

• Proof of all legal name changes

Note: If name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.

Information about REAL ID document requirements can be found at pa.gov/REALID.

When a customer gets their first REAL ID, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the renewal fee, which is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license and $42.50 for a photo ID.

Review your insurance coverage

With the spring season bringing a fresh start, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department this week reminded Pennsylvanians to review their existing insurance coverage and ensure they are adequately protected.

Whether it’s home, auto, health or life insurance, a seasonal check-up can help Pennsylvanians prevent coverage gaps and unexpected surprises, while also possibly reducing costs moving forward.

“Insurance needs change over time and switching insurance providers or adjusting coverage may help you save money without sacrificing protection,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Spring especially is a great time to review your items for the year ahead. PID’s goal is to protect consumers, and that includes their bottom line. This spring, take the time to review your existing policies to ensure you’re getting the best protection at the best price.”

Key areas to examine include:

• Auto insurance: Check for policy updates, discounts, or changes in driving habits that could impact rates. For example, if someone now works from home and never told their insurance company, they may be paying a higher rate associated with someone that commutes to work.

• Homeowners Insurance: Severe weather is notorious for causing damage to homes. Verify coverage for weather-related damages, home renovations, or new valuables in the home. It is important consumers know:

— If they’re insured for replacement cost coverage or actual cash value of the property.

— The amount of their deductibles, including peril-specific deductibles for wind and hail.

— That flood insurance is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy. Many insurers will offer flood insurance coverage for an additional premium, or consumers may purchase a stand-alone policy from some private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program.

• Life insurance: Update beneficiaries and coverage amounts to reflect major life changes such as when a new child is born, or a consumer nears retirement.

• Health Insurance: Confirm network providers, deductibles, and any new benefits for the year.

Call hours extended for late-season tax filers

As the deadline for filing 2024 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns nears on Tuesday, the Department of Revenue is extending customer service hours in its call center to provide additional phone assistance to taxpayers.

Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne urged taxpayers to take advantage of these extended hours before the April 15 filing deadline.

“We know from our experience that it can be helpful for our taxpayers to speak with one of our trained representatives on the phone if they have a personal income tax question,” Browne said. “That’s a big reason why we annually extend our phone support hours in the week leading up to the filing deadline, ensuring Pennsylvanians have direct access to our staff. Our goal is to provide personalized assistance and help simplify the filing process as best we can.”

Taxpayers can call 717-787-8201 to connect with the Department of Revenue’s Customer Experience Center (CEC).

• Monday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 15 — 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Personal income tax assistance is also available through the Department’s Online Customer Service Center at revenue.pa.gov/help.

The Department of Revenue is also encouraging Pennsylvanians to take advantage of credits they may be eligible for this tax season:

• Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit – available to ease child and dependent care costs for working families in Pennsylvania

• Tax Forgiveness (Special Poverty) – retired and low-income Pennsylvanians may reduce all or part of their Pennsylvania personal income tax liability

Property Tax/Rent Rebate filing assistance

Employees from the Department of Revenue (DOR) will continue visiting senior and community centers across Pennsylvania in the coming weeks to offer in-person filing support for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program and Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (PA-40s).

“Our goal is to meet eligible applicants where they are to help deliver the critical relief that the PTRR program provides each year for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians,” Browne said.

In 2024, the PTRR program delivered more than 522,000 rebates totaling $319 million to eligible Pennsylvanians. This included roughly 106,000 first-time filers who received a rebate for the very first time.