It's time to get your Real ID

The big picture: The Real ID is 20 years in the making after Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005.

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

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

Yes, but: Real IDs are optional.

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:

• Chartiers Valley Shopping Center, ​​1025 Washington Pike in Bridgeville
• Chippewa Plaza, 2580 Constitution Blvd. in Beaver Falls
• 1100 Lowry Ave. in Jeannette

Zoom out: Other license centers, including at 158 Point Plaza in Butler and 250 Oak Springs Road in Washington, will exclusively process REAL IDs from 10am-2pm on Feb. 24 during Real ID Days.

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