DMV to offer optional upgraded REAL ID-compliant licenses starting Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will offer Virginians the option to upgrade their current Virginia driver’s license or identification card to a REAL ID-compliant credential.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, federal officials will require state-issued driver’s licenses or IDs presented as identification to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility to be REAL ID-compliant. Several other forms of ID, including a U.S. Passport, Passport Card and some military IDs, also will be accepted for federal identification.

Until that date, Virginians may use their current Virginia driver’s licenses or ID as identification to board domestic flights or enter a secure federal facility. That gives Virginians interested in REAL ID two years to obtain their credential before federal requirements take effect. First-time applicants will also have the choice between a REAL ID-compliant or standard credential.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential, all Virginians, even those who have been licensed here for decades, must visit a DMV in person to reapply for a REAL ID, as mandated by federal law. Applicants should bring four documents:

• their U.S. birth certificate or unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card;

• their Social Security Card or payroll check stub;

• two utility bills; or one utility bill and either one mortgage statement or one rental agreement or lease

If your legal name is different than the name on your birth certificate or passport, you must also bring documents such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, to show the change in name.

View a list of acceptable documents at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf.

A REAL ID-compliant credential can be used for all of the same purposes as a current driver’s license – including driving, voting and accessing federal benefits. It will be available for a one-time $10 surcharge, in addition to standard fees.

Since REAL ID is optional, many Virginians may decide they don’t want or need one. Those Virginians may continue to renew their driver’s license or ID as they always have. Should they need to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility, they may use another approved form of ID; a full list is available at dmvNOW.com/REALID.