HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced on Monday that it will be phasing in new drivers licenses and ID cards with enhanced security features.

PennDOT will be piloting the new licenses at the Summerdale Drivers License Center in Enola on Monday, September 12, and all license centers will transition to the new licenses in mid-November.

Both standard and REAL ID compliant licenses will have the same design and security features. REAL ID compliant licenses are optional in Pennsylvania, but will be required to board flights or to enter federal buildings that require ID starting May 3, 2023.

New enhanced security features for both licenses have techniques to prevent fraud including:

- Customized security patterning using non-commercial software developed specifically for high-security documents.

- An ultraviolet (UV) response that fluoresces under UV lighting. The UV response is fixed, meaning it's visible under UV lighting regardless of the viewing angle.  

- A Dynamic Look Through Element with a gold metallic tint visible under direct lighting.

The new licenses will be phased in during renewal cycles and replace existing products. Both current and new cards will be in circulation during the transitional perioid.