The Erie Driver's License Center, along with others across Pennsylvania, is experiencing long lines as residents make a last-minute push to obtain their REAL ID. This federally compliant identification, marked by a star on the driver’s license, allows individuals to fly domestically without additional documentation. Despite years of preparation, only 28.3% of Pennsylvanians have obtained a REAL ID, and the process can be frustrating for those who lack the necessary documents.

Aimee Inama from PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services, sees the rush as a sign that Pennsylvanians want it.  "The REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but many residents are now opting to get it, she explained, "I think that shows Pennsylvanians are saying yes, I want my REAL ID – and they're coming down to our centers and they're applying for and getting their REAL ID."

However, the process can be complicated if individuals do not have the required documents. For example, Patty Finke, who is trying to get her REAL ID, discovered she needed a copy of her birth certificate. She said she was sent to the Erie County Courthouse, then shared her frustration, saying, "The office we were instructed to use isn't even here, it's on the west side of town."

For those needing specific documents, knowing where to go is crucial. The Prothonotary's Office at the County Courthouse is the correct place to file a petition for a legal name change. Taylor Suchy, Senior Civil Records Clerk explained, "They would come here for their divorce decrees, or their resuming of a prior surname from the divorce, and then the legal name changes that you would do here as well." However, this process, which includes fingerprinting and a court hearing, can take three to four months.

Meanwhile, the Marriage Office at the  courthouse has also seen a surge in activity. Marriage Clerk Tiffany Spain noted, "Ever since these REAL IDs started, we've seen over probably 100 people a day." For those needing a certified copy of their marriage certificate, it costs $5 and takes just a few minutes. Spain clarified that a ceremonial marriage certificate from a church is not acceptable for REAL ID purposes. Instead, individuals need a certified copy with an embossed seal and the Clerk of Records' signature stamp.

The Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records on West 26th Street has also been busier than usual, with staff reporting four times the normal volume of visitors. This is the place to go for a certified copy of a birth certificate, which is often required for a REAL ID. However, some individuals, like Janet Tankersley, have mistakenly gone there for other documents. Tankersley, who was looking for her marriage certificate, expressed her frustration: "Obviously I went to the wrong place to try to get this, so on my one day off from work, that's what I'm trying to do to get my REAL ID. I just wish it was a little easier, seems like you've got to do a little running around."

For those who missed the May 7th deadline to obtain their REAL ID, PennDOT officials are reassuring residents that they will continue to issue REAL IDs indefinitely. Inama emphasized, "PennDOT will continue issuing REAL IDs now until the end of time... it's part of our regular business practices, and we are offering that service to the public."