Big Change To ID Requirements Less Than 1 Month Away In VA

VIRGINIA — Do you have your REAL ID yet? There's just one month left for Virginians to obtain their updated identification so they do not experience travel disruptions.

Effective May 7, Virginia residents who are 18 and older must show a REAL ID, a passport or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights and secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.

The anti-terrorism law requiring the “gold star ID,” as it’s sometimes called, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and aims to heighten national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

The law was originally supposed to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed multiple times.

At an event held Monday at Washington Dulles International Airport, state Department of Motor Vehicles officials said that 4.1 million Virginia residents were REAL ID compliant as of March.

To get a REAL ID in Virginia, residents can start the application online before visiting a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles customer service center or simply fill out a paper application at a customer service center.

Required documents to obtain a REAL ID in Virginia include:

1. Proof of age and identity (i.e. birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card, etc.)
2. Proof of legal presence
3. Proof of social security
4. Two documents proving Virginia residency (i.e. vehicle registration card, bank account statement, utility bill, etc.)
5. $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver’s license or ID card you’re applying for.

Virginia does not require residents to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card; however, a standard license or ID will display "Federal Limits Apply" the next time it's renewed.

A valid passport will still be required for international travel.

For more information and details about how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in Virginia, visit REAL ID - Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.