What To Do If You Don't Have A Real ID As Enforcement Begins In VA

VIRGINIA — The REAL ID enforcement deadline has arrived, and Virginians who haven't obtained the new requirement to fly domestically and enter certain federal buildings still have options if they need to travel.

Starting Wednesday, May 7, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will begin REAL ID enforcement. As the day arrives, Virginians may be wondering if they actually need the new form of identification or how strict the deadline is.

In short, you don't need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings if you have a valid U.S. passport or other form of federal identification.

Residents could also apply for a U.S. passport card, which provides proof of citizenship and identity.

The wallet-sized cards are not valid for international air travel, but they are accepted for flights within the United States. They are cheaper than a passport book ($65 for adults applying for the first time and $30 for renewals), and typically take four to six weeks to process. Those who want to get their passport cards quicker can pay an extra $60 for expedited processing, which would take two to three weeks. Mailing schedules are not included in processing times.

The U.S. State Department has step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card here.

Per the TSA, here is a full list of identifications that will also be accepted if travelers don't have a REAL ID:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

If you don't have an accepted form of ID when you go to fly, you may still be able to board.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, "The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed."

What is a REAL ID and who needs one?

The REAL ID law, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, strengthens national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

REAL ID was originally supposed to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed for multiple reasons, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on May 7. Agencies may choose to phase in enforcement, but TSA officials have been urging people to upgrade their licenses sooner rather than later "to facilitate a smooth transition."

When enforcement begins, Virginia residents who are 18 and older must show a REAL ID or another form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings.

The REAL ID is similar to a regular state identification card or driver's license, but has a small star in the upper right-hand corner.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 does not affect those who only need their ID for driving purposes or identification, and does not apply to those under 18.

While the enforcement deadline is May 7, getting a REAL ID is not mandatory and one can still be obtained after that date. There is also no fine or penalty for not having a REAL ID by the enforcement deadline.

How Do I Get a REAL ID?

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.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles provides a convenient tool that allows customers to check estimated wait times at service centers. Customers can click on the “Locations” section at the bottom of the DMV's website. From there, they can select DMV offices to view details specific to the location they want to visit. Each office page includes a “View Wait Times” option, where customers can see estimated wait times for the specific services offered at that site for that day.

The DMV has also hosted appointment-only events and pop-up services, which travel to various public locations to make it easier for Virginians to obtain their REAL IDs. Dates, times, addresses, and future pop-up visits can be found at the following link.

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.