Can you just walk in and get a state ID at AAA or do you need to have a photo card?

U can walk in

If you want to get a PA DL and you have a current DL from any other state, you can walk in. Same with a renewal for PA. For a Real ID for use to board planes, you'll need an existing proof of photo ID such as a current PA DL. I think that the fee for the Real ID is 30 bucks. If you have a passport, then that can be used for boarding a plane too, so there would be no reason to get the PA Real ID. Personally, I think that the Real ID is just a moneygrab by the PA legislature.

You can just walk in