Real ID Update

(PennDOT has surpassed 1 million optional REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, ID cards) On April 27, 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023, due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has significantly impacted states' ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, with many driver's licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity.

REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver's licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires federally acceptable ID upon entry. A federally acceptable form of identification (whether it's a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver's license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.)

There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver's licenses and photo IDs.

“Although October may seem far away right now, we encourage our customers who want a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service to all of our customers as the federal deadline approaches.”

Based on data from other states offering an optional REAL ID program, PennDOT projected that 1.3 million of its customers would get a REAL ID prior to the federal deadline of May 23, 2023. Having crossed the threshold of issuing 1 million REAL ID-compliant products in December 2020, PennDOT is well-positioned to reach this target by the federal enforcement deadline.

Since March 1, 2019, PennDOT has processed about 5.4 million customers, with more than 1.1 million individuals choosing to opt into the REAL ID program. The remaining 4.3 million have chosen not to participate or use an alternative federally acceptable form of ID come the previous October deadline.

PennDOT paused REAL ID issuance in March 2020 due to COVID-19 out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public health and resumed issuing REAL IDs in September 2020. Additionally, the federal Department of Homeland Security postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration. "We want to do everything we can to encourage residents interested in applying for a REAL ID to start the process now and be aware of all the proper documentation needed," said Gramian. "This will help ensure our customers have their REAL ID well in advance of the May 3, 2023 deadline.”

Customers can obtain a REAL ID by presenting documents for verification and processing at any driver license center. Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify the below documents:

Proof of Identity:

Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. Passport;

Proof of Social Security Number:

Social security card, in current legal name;

Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA

Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver's license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address; and

Proof of all Legal Name Changes

(if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include a certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics. If current name is the same as what is reflected on proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), a customer does not need to show proof of legal name changes.

Customers have three options for obtaining a REAL ID product: Customers may order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; they can visit any PennDOT driver license center that is open for driver license services, have their documents verified and imaged, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; or they can visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers and receive their REAL ID product over the counter at the time of service.

For a full list of driver license centers and their services, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov. When a customer gets their first REAL ID product, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year noncommercial driver's license, and $31.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of their initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that the customer won't “lose” time that they've already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product.

REAL ID-compliant products are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Standardissue (non-compliant) products include the phrase “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES,” per federal regulations. Sample images can be viewed on PennDOT's website.

More information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.

This information from a Press Release dated April 2, 2021, from the PA Department of Transportation.

Additional information from the website:

Do I have to get a REAL ID?

No REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents. You will be able to get either a REAL ID driver's license or identification card, or a standard driver's license or identification card. If you do not get a REAL ID, you must have an alternate form of federally-acceptable identification (valid passport, military ID, etc.) to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities after May 3, 2023.

You do NOT need a REAL ID to: · Drive · Vote · Access hospitals · Visit the post office · Access federal courts · Apply for or receive federal benefits, such as social security or veterans' benefits.

Applicable Uses Standard ID or Driver’s License

Driving (DL only) General Identification Purposes Boarding a Domestic (U.S.) Flight after May 3, 2023 Entering a Federal Facility (that requires ID) or Military Base x x

REAL ID or Driver’s License

How to avoid summer's highrisk factors for breast cancer

Summer is a time of long hot days, cooler nights, family vacations and relaxing with friends. While it's nice to kick back and enjoy a slightly slower pace, it's not the time to let your guard down when it comes to sun exposure and other high-risk factors for breast cancer.

“Many of our most enjoyable activities can be slightly modified to reduce cancer risk,” says Marisa Weiss, MD, director of breast radiation oncology and breast health outreach at Lankenau Medical Center. Dr. Weiss, also founder of Breastcancer.org and author of Think Pink Live Green, A Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer, offers several practical tips for reducing risk.

Summer sun, vitamin D and sunscreen Avoiding high risk factors for breast cancer in lawn and garden care

Depending on where you live and work, you may be exposed to a number of manmade and naturally occurring lawn and garden chemicals every day. Chemicals are used to kill bugs, keep lawns green and make flowers bloombut they're also highrisk factors for breast cancer.

“Research suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these products may act as hormone disruptors and cause cancer,” Dr. Weiss says. Try keeping your lawn healthy without using chemicals by pulling weeds by hand, mowing less often and at the highest setting, and choosing fertilizers with low or no phosphorus.

Vitamin D is essential for many reasons, and research suggests it may help control the growth of breast cancer cells. Vitamin D can be found in fortified milk and other foods like fatty fish and eggs, but the best way to boost vitamin D levels is through direct sunlight or vitamin D3 supplements.

“Most of us don't get enough vitamin D through sunlight because we're inside or wearing sunscreen,” says Dr. Weiss. “Even short periods of direct peak sun exposure15 minutes, three times a week, for examplemay give you more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin D, depending on where you live.”

While sun exposure offers vitamin D benefits, it also increases your risk for skin cancer and hastens the aging process. Experts recommend you continue to use a mineral-based sunscreen whenever you go out during the day, and take extra sun protection measures when ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are highest, generally between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. A hat with a five-inch brim and protective clothing are also smart options.

Most people require vitamin D supplementation to keep their cells happy and their bones strong. Talk with your health care provider about your vitamin D level, and the best dose of vitamin D3 supplements to take.

Also make sure to use healthy types of sunscreens. “Research suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in some sunscreens are hormone disruptors, which may lead to abnormal breast cell growth,” Dr. Weiss says. “Pick a safe sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium from the Skin Deep database atewg.org. Alternatively, you can wear a wide-brim hat that covers your face, a shirt with extra-long sleeves, and a long skirt or pants.”

Breast cancer and the backyard barbecue

When meat is cooked at high temperatures until well-done, a group of chemicals known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) forms. The longer and hotter the cooking, the more HCAs form, especially in the blackened parts of the meat. The National Cancer Institute has identified 17 HCAs that may increase the risk for cancer. Another group of chemicals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), form in smoke produced when fat burns or drips on hot grill coals. PAHs have been linked to breast cancer.

Research has shown that women who ate a lot of grilled, barbecued and smoked meats had a higher risk for breast cancer than women who didn't eat a lot of grilled meats, Dr. Weiss says. You can cut down this risk by choosing lean cuts of meat, grilling at lower temperatures, avoiding blackened, burned or charred food, and marinating meats in herb mixtures, which may reduce HCAs. Another option: Reduce the amount of these foods that you consume.

Dr. Weiss adds that alcohol use is associated with a higher risk for breast cancer. The more you drink, the higher the risk. Moderation is key!

Main Line Health Cancer Care serves patients at hospitals and health centers throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. To learn about Main Line Health's breast cancer care or to schedule an appointment with a breast cancer specialist, call 484.476.3333 or visit mainlinehealth.org/breastcancercare.