Virginia Real ID Deadline: Head To DMV, What You Need To Know

VIRGINIA — Commonwealth authorities are urging residents to get to a Department of Motor Vehicles office soon to get a Real ID compliant driver's license or other approved ID ahead of next year's deadline. You'll need the new ID, with a star in a circle in the upper right corner, if you plan to fly or enter any military base or federal building as of Oct. 1, 2020.

"Don't delay. Avoid the rush in 2020 and apply for your REAL ID now," the Virginia DMV said. "

While upgraded Real IDs are optional and are not needed to drive or vote, you'll need it to board a domestic commercial flight as of October 1, 2020 if you don't have an alternative federally-acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID card. Effective immediately, some military bases may no longer accept non-Real ID compliant credentials which display “Federal Limits Apply.”

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

Virginians can upgrade to a Real ID or stick with a standard driver's license when they get a new license at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles branch office.

Required documents to obtain the more secure ID include identification (original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. passport), a Social Security card, W-2 form, proof of legal name changes, and two proofs of your Virginia address, such as vehicle registration, insurance card or bank statement.

For a complete list of all required documents to obtain a Real ID, visit dmvNOW.com/REALID.

Find a list of full-service Virginia DMV offices, and their hours, here.

Even if you have the newly-designed driver's license or identification card, you may need to submit additional documents in order to be REAL ID compliant. More information can be found on the Virginia DMV REAL ID website.

Transportation Security Administration officers who check tickets at airports will not allow travelers into the checkpoint without a REAL ID license or another form of acceptable ID after Oct.1, 2020.