May 7th is the First Day for Real ID

Dear Neighbor,

Starting today, May 7, 2025, the federal government is requiring you to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board a domestic flight, or to enter a secure federal facility or military base. Here is the process for obtaining a REAL ID:

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is an optional, upgraded version of your driver’s license or ID card with a star in the right corner. Since REAL ID is optional in Virginia, you may not need one if you already have another federally accepted form of ID, like a valid U.S. passport or military ID, or don’t travel by plane. However, if you do want one, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Here is an example:

How to Apply for REAL ID

There are two steps to apply for a REAL ID:

1. Complete an application.
2. Bring the required documents to a DMV customer service center.

For Existing DMV Customers

You can replace or renew your driver’s license or ID card with one that is REAL ID compliant.

Step 1: Application

• Start the application online before visiting a customer service center or
• Fill out a paper application at a customer service center

Step 2: Bring the required documents to the DMV. These include:

1. One proof of identity.
2. Two proofs of Virginia residency.
3. One proof of legal presence.
4. Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, DMV can verify it electronically.
5. Proof of name change, if your name appears differently on your proof documents.
6. $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver’s license or ID card you’re applying for. See fee chart.
   Note: For example, a standard driver’s license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver’s license replacement costs $20.

See the acceptable documents guide.Note: All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification. However, printouts of acceptable online residency documents can be used as proof of residency. Temporary documents and photocopies of documents will not be accepted.

For First-Time Drivers/ID Applicants

You can choose to make your license/ID a REAL ID when applying.

Step 1: Application

• Start the application online before visiting a customer service center or
• Fill out a paper application at a customer service center

 Step 2: Bring the required documents to the DMV. These include:

1. One proof of identity.
2. Two proofs of Virginia residency.
3. One proof of legal presence.
4. Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, DMV can verify it electronically.
5. Proof of name change, if your name appears differently on your proof documents.
6. $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver’s license or ID card you’re applying for. See fee chart.
   Note: For example, a standard driver’s license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver’s license replacement costs $20.

See the acceptable documents guide.

REAL ID is Optional in Virginia

Virginia does not require you to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. If you stick with a standard license or ID, it will display “Federal Limits Apply” the next time you renew.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you do not get a REAL ID, you must have an alternate form of federally accepted identification (valid U. S. passport, U.S. Department of Defense ID, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, etc.) to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.

If you are having issues with the DMV or acquiring a REAL ID, please contact my office at [email protected]. A member of my team will assist you in the process and work to resolve any holdups with obtaining a REAL ID.