Real ID ‘Crisis’: What NoVA, DC Residents Need To Know

WASHINGTON, DC — As millions of potential air travelers put off getting a Real ID, a trade group that represents the commercial airport industry has proclaimed a "crisis" in the security program and asked Congress to extend the Oct. 1 deadline for compliance. The clock is ticking on the deadline for folks in the District of Columbia, Virginia and other U.S. residents to get their Real ID driver licenses and identification cards if they want to travel by air.

The Airports Council-North America, which represents commercial airports in the United States and Canada, has asked the federal government to extend the deadline amid concerns that two-thirds of driver's licenses held by Americans aren't Real ID-compliant.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles says 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. Real IDs will be needed to board a domestic commercial flight as of Oct. 1, unless you have a valid passport or military ID card. Already some military bases may no longer accept non-Real ID compliant credentials which display "Federal Limits Apply."

Real ID compliant driver's licenses and identification cards from the state of Virginia have a small star in the upper right corner to indicate the credentials are acceptable for these federal purposes. Some military bases have already stopped accepting non-Real ID compliant credentials which display "Federal Limits Apply."

Four pieces of identification are required to obtain a Real ID: a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents proving proof of residence, such as a mortgage or rental receipt and a utility bill.

In Virginia, you must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person to apply for a Real ID. Customers can visit any DMV customer service center or take advantage of DMV's mobile operations to apply. After you've received your first REAL ID compliant credential, you may renew online according to the standard schedule.

In the District of Columbia, bring your completed application form to a DC DMV service center. A list of service centers is available here: DC DMV Service Center Locations.

Related: Real ID Deadline In VA, DC: 8 Questions Answered

When heading to the DMV to get a Real ID, residents should bring several documents — originals, not copies.

This includes:

• Proof of identity, including a valid license, birth certificate or passport, with full first, middle and last name. This name will be displayed on the card as required by federal law.
• Proof of Social Security number or Social Security number ineligibility. Those with a Virginia or DC driver's license or ID card, must bring a Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Administration proving ineligibility to have a Social Security number. Those who lost their Social Security card must obtain a duplicate before heading to the DMV.
• Proof of your date of birth.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status in the U.S.
• Two different proofs of DC or Virginia residence such as a utility bill, bank statement or mortgage statement (a post office box not acceptable). This address will be displayed on your card.
• If the name on your license, permit or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status and Social Security proofs, you must bring court- or government-issued proof documenting the event causing your name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption or court order document.

See all documents accepted to obtain Real ID in Virginia.

Find documents accept in DC to obtain Real ID.

Kevin M. Burke, the president and CEO of the airport industry trade group, warned of travel disruptions if the Real ID deadline isn't extended.

"If the government doesn't make a definitive statement now that they're going to extend this, then we're going to have a real crisis on our hands come Oct. 1," Burke told NBC News.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows states have issued more than 95 million Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards.

If travelers haven't obtained them by Oct. 1, they won't be able to board flights, and that could disrupt their lives and airline operations, as well, Burke said.

The REAL ID law was passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Four pieces of identification are required to obtain a Real ID: a passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents proving proof of residence, such as a mortgage or rental receipt and a utility bill.

As the deadline looms, motor vehicle offices are scrambling to keep up with the number of people requesting the Real IDs, the NBC News report said.