REAL ID Deadline Down To 7 Months: 5 Things To Know In VA

VIRGINIA — Less than seven months remain before Virginia residents will need to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to fly within the United States, unless they have other approved identification.

The deadline to get a REAL ID is May 7, 2025. After that date, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will no longer accept identification that does not meet the new standards.

How Do I Know If I Have A REAL ID?

A REAL ID is distinguishable from a regular Virginia driver’s license because it has a circle with a star in the upper right corner. That indicates that a person’s citizenship and legal residence status have been verified. The non-REAL ID licenses and ID cards say "federal limits apply."

When Would I Need To Show A Real ID?

The federal deadline for needing a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities will be May 7, 2025.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In addition to the stars, REAL ID cards are built with technology that makes them more difficult to forge, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The federal government's initial REAL ID deadline was 2018, then extended by federal officials to October 1, 2021, then May 3, 2023, and as of now, May 7, 2025.

Where Can I Get A REAL ID, And What Do I Need?

The REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card is only available in Virginia through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers. You must bring one proof of identity, two proofs of Virginia residency, one proof of legal presence, and proof of Social Security number (can be verified electronically by providing the number). If your name is different on proof documents, you must provide a proof of name change. A list of common proof documents is available online.

Virginia DMV says REAL ID requires a one-time $10 surcharge in addition to standard license or ID fees.

Residents may start the REAL ID application online and must visit a DMV customer service center to provide proof documents. Applications are also available at customer service centers.

What If I Don't Get A REAL ID?

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or other documentation, will be needed to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access secure federal buildings or military bases. For those who do not have a REAL ID, the Transportation Security Administration accepts other forms of identification to board a domestic flight, such as a U.S. passport, U.S. Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card and more. Secure federal facilities or military bases may have their own ID requirements and may already be enforcing the REAL ID credentials.

Those who don’t plan to fly domestically or visit a secure federal office don’t need to do anything. A REAL ID is not required to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won’t require children under 18 to provide identification when they’re traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport required for international travel. A standard Virginia driver's license will still be usable to drive, vote or register to vote, apply for federal benefits, verify identities at banks or retail stores, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.

Should I Just Wait Until 2025?

Virginia DMV expects to get busier closer to the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline. Residents are encouraged to come to a DMV location as soon as possible if their license expires within a year. Residents whose license doesn't expire within a year may come to the DMV to request a replacement license that is REAL ID compliant.