REAL ID Draws High Interest, Increased Wait Times In NoVA

Virginia began offering REAL ID credentials that new federal requirements this month, and the demand from Northern Virginia and across the state has been high.

Richard Holcomb, the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, said wait times are higher since REAL ID became available, especially in Northern Virginia, reported WTOP. So far, nine of 10 locations with the most interest in REAL ID are in Northern Virginia.

In the North Fairfax district, which is considered Alexandria to Leesburg, 51.5 percent percent of people opted for the REAL ID credential when applying for or renewing their licenses since Oct. 1—a higher number than officials expected. In the South Fairfax District (Lorton to Fredericksburg), that figure was 41.9 percent.

The Virginia DMV is anticipating even more demand before Oct. 1 2020—when residents will need a REAL ID credential to board domestic flights and enter secured federal facilities. The commissioner hopes to prepare with additional staffing for a spike in customers during 2020. Nevertheless, Holcomb urges residents to consider getting REAL ID before October 2020.

To get a REAL ID, customers pay a one-time $10 fee plus other standard DMV fees. Additional documentation is needed to obtain REAL ID as compared to a standard license—proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security number, residency, and name changes (if applicable).

SEE ALSO: Virginia DMV Begins Offering REAL ID In October: 6 Things To Know

The standard driver's license and state ID is good for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities through Sept. 30, 2020. Now and beyond October 2020, the standard identification can be used for other purposes such as voting, receiving federal benefits and being licensed to drive.

Those that don't anticipate on traveling domestically or entering federal facilities in October 2020 will not need a REAL ID license.

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Residents applying for a REAL ID for the first time will need to go to a DMV location with the necessary documents and payments. Once a person obtains a REAL ID for the first time, online renewal will be available.

Holcomb said Virginia’s REAL ID program will likely be certified by the federal government by Jan. 10. The deadline had been moved from Oct. 10.

To get more details about REAL ID, visit the Virginia DMV's REAL ID page.

Image: Sample REAL ID driver's license (top) and standard driver's license (bottom), via Virginia DMV