Gotten your REAL ID yet? No? Don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, the majority of Pennsylvanians haven’t.

According to the latest statistics released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), only 26 percent of Pennsylvanians have applied for a REAL ID.

That’s certainly more than a bit concerning, considering the May 7 deadline is approaching quickly. On Tuesday, PennDOT announced that it will hold special REAL ID Days across the Keystone State to help residents prepare for the deadline when federal enforcement begins.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 with the goal to establish identical requirements for state-issued licenses and ID cards nationwide. It looks like a standard driver’s license or ID card but includes a gold star in the top right corner.

The deadline applies to enforcement only, as you can still get one after enforcement begins.

The REAL ID Act has the biggest impact on travelers and those who often enter federal buildings or jurisdictions.

Beginning in May, you’ll need a REAL ID, passport or military ID to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a military base or certain federal facilities. A passport will still be needed for any international travel.

So far, PennDOT said more than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have gotten the REAL ID over the last few years. With the requirement coming up, though, 57 driver’s license centers will hold special days where residents can get help getting a new REAL ID.

“PennDOT is committed to making it as convenient as possible for Pennsylvanians to obtain a REAL ID if they want one,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT deputy secretary for driver and vehicle services. “Because we’re seeing an increase in demand, we decided to offer our REAL ID Days as a way to ensure we are meeting the needs of the public and providing them with the best possible customer service.”

Translation: That means more staffing to process long lines of people who have waited until the 11th hour to get this done. After all, procrastination is a common human trait.

On Monday, April 14 and 28 and May 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., PennDOT is encouraging drivers to visit one of the drivers license centers to get their REAL ID.

Some centers can process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. The closest locations to the Juniata Valley are:

• Altoona Driver License Center, 1738A Ninth Ave., Altoona.

• Rockview Driver License Center, 812 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap.

All other centers can process REAL ID requests and then mail the REAL ID within 15 business days. The closest locations to the Juniata Valley are:

• Lewistown Driver License Center, 13217 Ferguson Valley Road, Yeagertown.

• Selinsgrove Driver License Center, 1015 Route 522, Selinsgrove.

Take a minute to prepare before you go. Check out the REAL ID section of www.dmv.org to make sure you take the proper documentation. The last thing you want to do is wait in line and find out you don’t have the documents you need to get your REAL ID.

After all, haven’t you waited long enough to get your REAL ID? Next.