PennDOT DL-63RID REAL ID Indicator Request Form Guide

PennDOT DL-63RID REAL ID Indicator Request Form Guide – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Form DL-63RID is the official REAL ID Indicator Request Form. Pennsylvania residents use this form to add, remove, or transfer the REAL ID indicator on their driver’s license or photo identification card. REAL ID-compliant credentials meet federal security standards under the REAL ID Act and are required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities (enforcement began May 7, 2025).

This comprehensive guide explains what Form DL-63RID is, who needs it, how to complete it, associated fees, required documents, and where to submit it. All information is based on official PennDOT sources.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-63RID?

Form DL-63RID (revision 6-23) allows eligible Pennsylvania residents to request changes related to the REAL ID indicator on their existing non-commercial driver’s license, commercial driver’s license (CDL), or photo ID card. The form supports three main actions:

  • Add REAL ID Indicator – Opt into REAL ID by paying the one-time fee and submitting required documentation.
  • Remove REAL ID Indicator – Opt out of REAL ID (must appear in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center).
  • Transfer/Swap REAL ID Indicator – Move the REAL ID status between a driver’s license and an identification card (in-person only; additional forms and fees required).

You must apply in person at a PennDOT REAL ID Driver License Center to receive your product the same day. If you apply at a standard Driver License Center, your REAL ID-compliant credential will be mailed within 15 business days.

Download the official PennDOT Form DL-63RID (PDF)

Who Needs to Use Form DL-63RID?

You may need Form DL-63RID if you:

  • Currently hold a standard (non-REAL ID) Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID and want to upgrade to REAL ID.
  • Want to remove the REAL ID indicator from your record.
  • Need to transfer the REAL ID indicator from a license to an ID card (or vice versa).
  • Are a non-U.S. citizen or CDL holder with specific renewal or duplicate requirements.

REAL ID is optional. If you already possess a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or another federally acceptable form of identification, you do not need a REAL ID for federal purposes such as domestic air travel.

For official details on whether REAL ID is right for you, visit the PennDOT REAL ID page.

Fees Associated with Form DL-63RID

There is a one-time non-refundable $30 REAL ID fee to add the REAL ID indicator (opt in). This fee is added to the applicable driver license or identification card fees:

  • Non-commercial driver’s license holders must submit a renewal application plus the applicable renewal fee(s).
  • Photo identification card holders must submit a renewal application plus the applicable renewal fee(s).
  • CDL holders may renew or request a duplicate, paying the applicable fees.
  • Non-U.S. citizens may need to apply for a duplicate (or renewal if within six months of expiration) and pay the corresponding fees.

Example: A standard non-commercial driver’s license renewal currently costs $39.50. Adding REAL ID brings the total to $69.50. After obtaining your first REAL ID, future renewals do not require an additional REAL ID fee.

Always verify current fees on the official PennDOT payments and fees page.

Required Documents for REAL ID

When applying for or adding a REAL ID indicator, you must present original or certified documents (photocopies are not accepted). PennDOT requires:

1. Proof of Identity and Lawful Status (Choose One)

  • U.S. birth certificate with raised/embossed seal (issued by a government vital records office)
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766 or I-688B)
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 showing permanent residence

2. Proof of Social Security Number (Choose One)

  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form
  • SSA-1099 form
  • Non-SSA-1099 form
  • Pay stub showing the full nine-digit Social Security number

The document must be in your current legal name and display all nine digits.

3. Proof of Pennsylvania Residency (Two Documents Required)

  • Current, unexpired PA driver’s license or photo ID
  • PA vehicle registration card
  • Auto insurance card
  • Computer-generated utility bill (cell phone, cable, electric, gas) showing your name and address
  • Post-marked mail or package labels (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.)
  • W-2 form or pay stub
  • Lease agreement or mortgage documents
  • Tax records

If your name has changed, bring certified marriage certificates, court orders, or an amended birth certificate as needed. For a full checklist, download the official PennDOT REAL ID Document Checklist (PDF).

Detailed requirements are available on the PennDOT REAL ID Document Requirements page.

How to Complete and Submit Form DL-63RID?

  1. Download the official form using the link below.
  2. Fill in your driver information accurately: full name, driver’s license or ID number, telephone number, and email address.
  3. Select the appropriate action (Add, Remove, or Transfer/Swap REAL ID Indicator) and initial where required.
  4. Sign and date the authorization and certification section in ink.
  5. Gather all required original documents and any accompanying forms (e.g., renewal application, DL-54B for certain transfers).
  6. Visit a PennDOT Driver License Center or REAL ID Center in person. Same-day issuance is available only at designated REAL ID Centers.

Important: Pre-verification may be available online if you received your first Pennsylvania license, permit, or ID after September 2003 and your documents are already on file. Check eligibility on the PennDOT REAL ID Pre-Verification page.

Find a location using the official PennDOT Find a Location tool.

Download Form DL-63RID

Always download Form DL-63RID directly from the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure you have the current version:

Download Official PennDOT Form DL-63RID – REAL ID Indicator Request Form (PDF)

Additional Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Gather original documents well in advance. Some vital records offices take weeks or months to process requests.
  • Name, date of birth, and Social Security number corrections must be handled in person with supporting original documents.
  • Non-U.S. citizens and CDL holders have additional requirements and generally must apply in person.
  • Children under 18 traveling domestically with a companion generally do not need a REAL ID.
  • Once you have a REAL ID, future renewals are automatically REAL ID-compliant unless you opt out.

For the most current information, visit the official PennDOT REAL ID website or contact the Driver and Vehicle Services Customer Care Center at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is REAL ID mandatory in Pennsylvania?
No. REAL ID is optional. A standard Pennsylvania license or ID remains valid for driving, voting, and most other purposes.

Can I apply for REAL ID completely online?
Only if you qualify for pre-verification and PennDOT already has your documents on file. Most applicants must appear in person with original documents.

What does a Pennsylvania REAL ID look like?
It resembles a standard PA driver’s license or ID but features a gold star in the upper right corner.

How long is my first REAL ID valid?
It includes the remaining time on your current credential plus an additional four years (subject to immigration status for non-U.S. citizens).

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