What Types of ID's Are Required In PA?

Update July 4, 2025

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has begun enforcement of the required REAL ID license and identification cards at airport security as proper ID for domestic air travel.

The REAL ID is not required for other types of identification, such as for a notarization. Notaries still accept (in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) other forms of ID that is of "satisfactory evidence" that you are who you say you are.

The REAL ID is not required to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office access federal courts or receive federal benefits.

In order for the notary to have satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, they must first and foremost personally appear in front of the notary and show a government issued identification such as:

1. A passport, driver's license or other government -issued identification card which is current and unexpired*

2. Another form of government-issued identification which is current, contains the signature or the photograph of the individual and is satisfactory to the notary (i.e. military ID, fishing license etc...)

If the individual is unable to provide either of the two types of ID mentioned above, there is one final way for the notary to verify the identification of the person. They can have a credible witness (who knows both the notary AND the individual) appear to attest to the identify of the signer. They would be required to say an oath. The witness would be required to take an oath and sign an affirmation recording the information.