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

On Oct. 1, 2018, Virginia has begun offering REAL ID credentials, which are driver's licenses and state IDs that meet new federal requirements. In 2020, the REAL ID credentials will be needed board a domestic flight and enter secured federal facilities. Residents have the option of getting the REAL ID compliant ID now or sticking with the standard state ID until REAL ID becomes a requirement for those purposes in 2020.

Some states already are compliant and have been issuing REAL IDs. Previously Virginia received an extension to start issuing the compliant ID. That extension ends in October, just as the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles begins issuing REAL ID compliant driver's licenses and ID cards.

If you have some questions about REAL ID, you're not alone. Here are some key things to know about the REAL ID credential.

1. What is a REAL ID and why do I need one?

REAL ID is a federal law passed in 2005 that requires people to provide additional documentation when states issue forms of identification like a driver's license or state ID. When states become REAL ID compliant, they will require residents to provide certain documents at the DMV to obtain driver's license or state ID.

Virginia residents will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a secured federal facility requiring ID when REAL ID requirements kick in.

If you don't have a REAL ID, you can also use other forms of TSA accepted ID such as a U.S. passport to go through the security checkpoint.

2. When do I need a REAL ID?

Although Virginia has begun issuing REAL ID credentials, the date residents need to worry about is two years away. REAL ID enforcement for Virginia credentials kicks begins on Oct. 1, 2020. At this time, Virginia residents will need a REAL ID credential to board a domestic flight or enter secured federal facilities requiring identification.

3. What documents do I need to obtain a REAL ID credential?

• Identity (Such as an unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate)
• Legal Presence (Such as an unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate)
• Social Security number; and Social Security card or payroll check stub
• Residency (two proofs needed) (Such as utility bills or mortgage statements)
• Proof of any name changes (if needed) (Such as marriage certificates or divorce decrees) If the name on your identity document is different than your legal name, you must show proof of your name change.

4. Can I still use the standard state ID?

The standard state ID is good for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings through Sept. 30, 2020. However, Virginia DMV recommends residents obtain their REAL ID before that time.

You can obtain and use a standard driver's license or state ID for other activities even beyond October 2020. The standard identification is good for voting, applying for and receiving federal benefits, accessing health or life preserving services such as hospitals and health clinics and participating in law enforcement or constitutionally protected activities such as a defendant's access to court proceedings. The standard driver's license also allows residents to be licensed by the state to drive.

In other words, you don't need a REAL ID unless you going through TSA security at the airport or entering a secure federal facility starting in October 2020.

5. Does the REAL ID credential look different from the standard ID?

Yes, the REAL ID credentials have a small star in the top right corner, which indicates they meet the federal requirement. New standard IDs will say "federal limits apply" in the top right corner. If you have a standard license obtained before Oct. 1, 2018, it won't say "federal limits apply."

REAL ID compliant credentials display a small star in the upper right corner to indicate they meet federal requirements. Choose which documents you’ll need to bring to DMV to get a REAL ID with DMV’s interactive Document Guide.

6. Where can I get a REAL ID?

Just like with the standard driver's license or state ID, you can get the REAL ID compliant credentials at your local DMV location. A one-time REAL ID fee of $10 and other standard DMV fees will be due when obtaining the credentials.

Obtaining a REAL ID driver's license or state ID through an online renewal isn't an option. Residents must go to the DMV in person to provide the necessary documents for a REAL ID. After obtaining a REAL ID for the first time, online renewal will be an option going forward.

For more information on REAL ID, visit the Virginia DMV's REAL ID page.

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