An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, providing for application for REAL ID.
Summary
HB 238 amends Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code to create a new section governing applications for REAL ID. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to accept certain documents as proof of a Social Security number when reviewing a REAL ID application, specifically a Social Security card, W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA 1099, or pay stub, so long as the document meets the requirements of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. It also defines “REAL ID” for purposes of Pennsylvania law as a photo identification card or driver’s license issued under the state’s driver licensing chapters that complies with federal REAL ID standards.
The measure is narrowly focused on the application process and does not broadly change driver licensing eligibility or the underlying federal REAL ID requirements. Its practical effect is to codify and clarify what documents PennDOT may accept to verify an applicant’s Social Security number for REAL ID issuance, which may streamline applications and reduce uncertainty for applicants and agency staff. Because the bill takes effect immediately, the new verification rule would apply as soon as enacted.
Impact
HB 238 would add Section 1506.1 to Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, directly affecting PennDOT’s administration of REAL ID applications. It expands and clarifies the list of acceptable Social Security number verification documents for REAL ID purposes, aligning state practice with federal REAL ID Act standards. The bill primarily affects driver’s license and identification card applicants seeking REAL ID-compliant credentials, as well as the Department of Transportation staff responsible for document review and verification.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong, unanimous support for the bill at every recorded stage, with no recorded opposition in either chamber committee action or floor passage. The absence of committee transcript discussion suggests the measure was treated as a technical or administrative clarification rather than a controversial policy change. Overall, the sentiment appears broadly favorable and procedural, with legislators supporting easier and clearer REAL ID application processing.
Contention
No notable substantive contention is reflected in the available record. The bill’s only apparent policy question is whether PennDOT should be expressly authorized to accept a broader set of common income and tax documents, such as W-2s, 1099s, and pay stubs, to verify Social Security numbers for REAL ID applications. The unanimous votes indicate that any concerns about document verification, administrative burden, or fraud prevention did not rise to the level of recorded opposition.
In licensing of drivers, further providing for application for driver's license or learner's permit; and, in fees, further providing for certified copies of records.
In registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for persons exempt from licensing.
In registration of vehicles, further providing for acknowledgment of littering provisions; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for acknowledgment of littering provisions.