HARRISBURG — Pennsylvanians can get a head start on the REAL ID process beginning Saturday.

The state Department of Transportation announced this week that those interested in acquiring state identification that will allow them onto commercial airline flights and into federal buildings can bring their documentation to their nearest PennDOT driver's license center starting Sept. 1.

Existing Pennsylvania drivers licenses will not be accepted for those two purposes after Oct. 1, 2020.

The new preverification process, according to a PennDOT news release, allows applicants to have their documentation processed and on file with PennDOT so they can easily apply for a REAL ID when the cards become available in March.

According to the federal Department of Homeland Security, Congress passed the REAL ID Act after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish specific minimum federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards used for federal purposes, such as boarding commercial airline flights.

Pennsylvania is one of the few states with drivers licenses that do not meet the new standards.

Those who received their first driver's license after September 2003 have had the option to apply for REAL ID preverification since March, but those whose first license was issued before that time must get a REAL ID if they plan to fly on a commercial airline flight or enter a federal building.

REAL ID cards are not required, and regular drivers licenses will continue to be issued.

The documents required to get a REAL ID are:

Proof of identity — A passport or an original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal

An official, unlaminated Social Security card

Proof of all legal name changes — A marriage certificate or certified divorce court order from county family court

Two proofs of a current, physical Pennsylvania address — Unexpired state driver's license and a bank statement or utility bill that is less than 90 days old with the same name and address.

Once all documentation is on file with PennDOT, applicants can order their REAL ID online and it will be sent through the mail.

All applicants will pay a $30 one-time fee for their REAL ID, plus the fee to renew their license for four years, which is $30.50.

The PennDOT release said REAL ID license's expire date will be extended to include any time that remained on the former license.

When REAL IDs become available in March, all adult residents will have three options for obtaining a REAL ID.

Pre-verified customers can order their license or ID online; documents can be taken to a PennDOT driver's license center to be verified and imaged and the REAL ID will be mailed in seven to 10 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.

While REAL ID centers are being added in the Pittsburgh region, it is not known what center will be closest to Butler County customers, the news release said.