Airport Security: Pa Licenses And Their Usability

As of October 2023, a standard PA driver's license is sufficient for boarding domestic commercial flights. However, beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a passport or military ID, for domestic air travel. This change may pose an inconvenience to some, as it requires an in-person visit to the DMV and the submission of hard copies of proof of residence. For those interested in building a new airport or heliport in Pennsylvania, a separate license application process is necessary, involving a $50 processing fee and the submission of specific documentation.

A PA driver's license is valid for domestic flights

As of October 2023, a regular PA driver's license is still valid for domestic flights. However, there has been some confusion regarding the implementation of the REAL ID requirement for domestic air travel. While some sources indicated that a REAL ID would be necessary for domestic flights as early as May 2023, the deadline has been pushed back multiple times. The most recent update confirms that a REAL ID will not be required for domestic flights until May 7, 2025.

Until then, Pennsylvanians can continue to use their current driver's license for domestic air travel. It is worth noting that a valid passport or military ID can also be used as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, individuals who received their first learner's permit, driver's license, or photo ID after September 2003 may already have the required REAL ID pre-verification documentation on file with PennDOT.

For those who received their initial forms of identification before September 2003, in-person pre-verification at a PennDOT Driver's License Center is necessary. This process requires providing various forms of documentation, including proof of residence, which has been a challenge for some homeowners due to paperless billing. It is important to note that the REAL ID is now available for those who wish to obtain one before the 2025 deadline.

While the PA driver's license remains valid for domestic flights for the time being, the situation highlights the ongoing transition to more secure forms of identification, such as the REAL ID, for domestic air travel in the United States.

From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for domestic commercial flights

A REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be mandatory to board a domestic commercial flight. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a REAL ID-compliant photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification. A valid passport or military ID, for example, can be used in place of a REAL ID.

If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, the TSA and DHS websites have interactive tools to help you determine if you are REAL ID-ready.

It is important to note that this requirement only applies to domestic commercial flights within the US. For international travel, different requirements may apply, and you should check with your airline for specific ID requirements.

In the case of Pennsylvania, a PA driver's license is currently valid for domestic flights, and REAL ID is not yet mandatory. However, travelers can now apply for REAL ID-compliant identification if they wish.

A regular PA driver's license is not a REAL ID

A standard Pennsylvania driver's license is not a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. This means that, as of May 7, 2025, it will not be accepted as a form of ID to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. This is because the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.

However, a standard PA driver's license is still a valid form of identification for other purposes, such as proving one's age to buy alcohol or enter a bar or restaurant. Additionally, a REAL ID is not required for Pennsylvania residents to board domestic commercial flights or enter certain federal facilities. They can use an alternate form of federally-acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID.

If a Pennsylvania resident wishes to obtain a REAL ID, they must bring their documents to a Driver Licensing Center for verification in person. PennDOT does not accept any identity documents over the internet. However, if PennDOT already has a resident's REAL ID documentation on file, they may be able to order their REAL ID online and receive it in the mail within 15 business days.

To prepare for obtaining a REAL ID, Pennsylvania residents should gather the necessary documents, which include original versions or certified copies of certain documents. They can also use PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page to learn more about the documentation requirements.

To apply for a new airport or heliport license, fill out PA Form AV-4 and submit it with $50

If you are a new airport or heliport owner in Pennsylvania and are looking to build an airport or helipad, you are required to apply for a license. The first step in this process is to fill out PA Form AV-4 and submit it with a $50 application fee. This fee covers the cost of one site inspection and one final inspection. Once your application is approved, you will need to pay the licensing fee.

The PA Form AV-4 requires detailed information about the proposed airport or heliport. This includes a tax map or certified property map showing the property lines and the location of the airport within these lines. Additionally, a detailed sketch of the airport layout and its position on the property is needed. If you are not the property owner, a copy of the property lease must be attached.

For private airports and helipads, performance data for all aircraft expected to use the facility must be provided. This data ensures that the airport or helipad is designed and built to accommodate the specific needs of the aircraft that will utilize it. It is important to provide accurate and comprehensive information to ensure a smooth licensing process.

To submit your application, mail the completed PA Form AV-4, along with the $50 application fee, to the PennDOT Bureau of Aviation. The address is provided as:

PennDOT Bureau of Aviation

Attn: Licensing Coordinator

P.O. Box 3151

Harrisburg, PA 17105-3151

The license fee for a private airport or heliport is $25 per year

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a license is required to build a new airport or helipad. The license fee for a private airport or heliport is $25 per year. This licensing fee is paid to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The license is issued for a three-year period, so the total cost is $75 for the three-year license.

To apply for a license for a new airport or heliport, you need to fill out PA Form AV-4 and submit a $50 application fee. The $50 application fee covers the cost of one site inspection and one final inspection. The application requires a tax map or certified property map showing property lines and the location of the airport within these lines. It also requires a detailed airport sketch showing the layout of the property. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to attach a copy of the property lease. For private airports and helipads, you will need to provide performance data for all aircraft expected to use the airport or helipad.

The completed application, along with the $50 fee, should be mailed in the form of a check, money order, or bank draft, made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The address to mail the application to is:

PennDOT Bureau of Aviation

Attn: Licensing Coordinator

P.O. Box 3151

Harrisburg, PA 17105-3151

Private airport and heliport operators are prohibited from selling fuel to the general public and from performing flight instruction to the general public. Temporary licenses may be issued by the Bureau for temporary operations or special occasions, and an inspection fee of $25 will be charged.

Frequently asked questions