If you don't have a Real ID in Pennsylvania, act fast

The big picture: The Real ID is 20 years in the making after Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government should have one standard source of identification, rather than accepting state driver's licenses, which have state-specific requirements.

• It looks just like your driver's license but has a symbol in the upper right corner. In Pennsylvania, it's a gold star.

Yes, but: Real IDs are optional.

How it works: You need a Real ID if:

• You travel on a plane in the U.S. (and don't have a valid passport)
• Visit a military base
• Visit a secure federal building like a courthouse

Zoom in: Pennsylvanians can get a Real ID by applying online, or visiting a driver's license center or Real ID center.

• Here's the full checklist of the documents you need.

Only certain state driver's license centers are able to issue Real IDs over the counter, including those in the Blue Bell Shopping Center in South Philly and in King of Prussia.

Cost: Real IDs cost $30, then $39.50-$42.50 every four years.