One month until REAL ID deadline: what Virginians need to know
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As of Monday, Virginians have one month left before federal enforcement of new identification requirements begins.
If you don't want your travel plans interrupted, here's what you need to know.
On May 7, federal enforcement of new REAL ID requirements will begin. Starting on that date, Virginians will not be able to fly domestically with only their standard state-issued driver's license or identification card. These requirements also impact anyone who attempts to enter a secure federal facility or military base.
The REAL ID is described by the Virginia DMV as an "upgraded version" of those state-issued identification cards.
Their issuance and use follow the 2005 passage of the REAL ID Act, which implements new identification standards across America. Those standards are designed to improve security.
As of March, 4.1 million Virginians have applied for and received REAL IDs, per the Virginia DMV.
A sample REAL ID. (Photo: Virginia DMV)
You can start a REAL ID application online. You will then be asked to schedule an in-person appointment at a Virginia DMV location.
There is a $10 fee for a REAL ID, which is in addition to the standard cost of the driver's license or identification card you are applying for. You can check the Virginia DMV's fee chart online to determine how much your REAL ID will cost.
You will also need to bring the following documentation to your appointment:
- One proof of your identity
- Two proofs of your Virginia residency
- One proof of your legal presence
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of name change, if applicable
A full list of acceptable documents can be found here.
REAL ID is optional in Virginia -- however, as said above, a standard driver's license or identification card will be subject to federal limits.
Virginians who may miss the deadline or choose not to apply for a REAL ID will be required to present an alternative form of federally accepted identification when they fly, which could result in delays at airport security.
