Dear Jack,
Starting today, May 7, 2025, the federal government is requiring you to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board a domestic flight, or to enter a secure federal facility or military base. Here is the process for obtaining a REAL ID:
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is an optional, upgraded version of your driver’s license or ID card with a star in the right corner. Since REAL ID is optional in Virginia, you may not need one if you already have another federally accepted [[link removed]] form of ID, like a valid U.S. passport or military ID, or don’t travel by plane. However, if you do want one, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Here is an example:
[[link removed]]
How to Apply for REAL ID
There are two steps to apply for a REAL ID:
1. Complete an application.
2. Bring the required documents to a DMV customer service center.
For Existing DMV Customers
You can replace or renew your driver’s license or ID card with one that is REAL ID compliant.
Step 1: Application
Start the application online [[link removed]] before visiting a customer service center or
Fill out a paper application at a customer service center [[link removed]]
Step 2: Bring the required documents to the DMV. These include:
1. One proof of identity.
2. Two proofs of Virginia residency.
3. One proof of legal presence [[link removed]] .
4. Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, DMV can verify it electronically.
5. Proof of name change [[link removed]] , if your name appears differently on your proof documents.
6. $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver’s license or ID card you’re applying for. See fee chart [[link removed]] .
Note: For example, a standard driver's license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver's license replacement costs $20.
See the acceptable documents guide [[link removed]] .
Note: All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification. However, printouts of acceptable online residency documents [[link removed]] can be used as proof of residency. Temporary documents and photocopies of documents will not be accepted.
For First-Time Driver's License/ID Applicants in VA
You can choose to make your license/ID a REAL ID when applying.
Step 1: Application
Start the application online [[link removed]] before visiting a customer service center or
Fill out a paper application at a customer service center [[link removed]]
Step 2: Bring the required documents to the DMV. These include:
1. One proof of identity.
2. Two proofs of Virginia residency.
3. One proof of legal presence [[link removed]] .
4. Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, DMV can verify it electronically.
5. Proof of name change [[link removed]] , if your name appears differently on your proof documents.
6. $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver’s license or ID card you’re applying for. See fee chart [[link removed]] . Note: For example, a standard driver's license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver's license replacement costs $20.
See the acceptable documents guide [[link removed]] .
REAL ID is Optional for Virginians
Virginia does not require you to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. If you stick with a standard license or ID, it will display "Federal Limits Apply" the next time you renew.
Beginning May 7, 2025, if you do not get a REAL ID, you must have an alternate form of federally accepted identification (valid U. S. passport, U.S. Department of Defense ID, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, etc.) to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.
If you are having issues with the DMV or acquiring a REAL ID, please contact my office at [email protected] [[email protected]] . A member of my team will assist you in the process and work to resolve any holdups with obtaining a REAL ID.
Yours in Service, [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]
Delegate Atoosa Reaser (she/her)
Virginia House of Delegates
District 27 (Eastern Loudoun)
Follow [[link removed]] | Like [[link removed]] | Volunteer [[link removed]] | More Info [[link removed]]
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Paid for by Elect Atoosa Reaser
Elect Atoosa Reaser
PO Box 651052
Sterling, VA 20165
United States
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