KING OF PRUSSIA, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania residents in need of a Real ID are waiting for hours in lines at licensing centers.
The line to get into the PennDOT Licensing center on South Gulf Road in King of Prussia on Thursday stretched up the hill to the back of the parking lot.
One of the many in line was Alex Smoot of Conshohocken, who was getting a Real ID because his own license was about to expire.
“I don’t see why Real ID centers need to be like one out of every five centers or whatever the ratio is,” he said.
There are 15 PennDOT license centers across Pennsylvania that provide same-day Real ID issuance. Those not near one of those centers are directed to go to their nearest center and apply in person for it to be mailed to them within 15 business days. Across the Delaware in New Jersey, all 28 of the state’s license centers
Ralph Nicastro from Downingtown said he wants to get his Real ID before flying to Clearwater, Florida for his honeymoon.
“I got here Saturday, but I got here at like 10 o’clock,” he said. “The line was wrapped around in there and there was like 100 people in there and I was like this is insane and they were like you’re probably not gonna get seats.”
Brian Wright said he was turned away after waiting in line for eight hours on Tuesday.
“My number was called. I didn’t have the right Social Security card when I got to the window,” he said. “I’m hoping that I have all the documentation that I need and that I won’t be here until 5 o’clock this afternoon.”
In a statement to KYW Newsradio, a PennDOT spokesperson reminded residents that Real ID is optional if you use a passport for air travel.
If a resident received a learner’s permit or first photo ID after September of 2003, they also may be able to avoid going in person.
They can apply for pre-verification on PennDOT’s website, and if approved, they’ll be instructed how to order a Real ID online.