Can’t fly much longer with Va. license
Rappahannock residents who for years have displayed a valid Virginia driver’s license for identification purposes when passing through airport security to board a domestic flight will no longer be able to do so beginning next year.
Starting on Oct. 1, 2020, Virginians will have to present a state-issued REAL ID compliant credential, displaying a small star in the upper right corner, when passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings.
Other forms of ID, including a U.S. Passport, Passport Card, and certain military IDs, will be accepted for federal identification.
“A REAL ID will be essential for domestic air travel when federal identification requirements change a little more than a year from now,” says Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “More than a half-million Virginians now have the identification they’ll need to continue traveling after October 1, 2020.”
DMV began issuing REAL IDs on Oct. 1, 2018, two years ahead of a federal enforcement deadline.
Residents who will need to obtain a REAL ID are encouraged to obtain them this year, as DMV expects a rush of customers in 2020 as the federal enforcement deadline looms.
“If you want to get a REAL ID, we encourage you not to wait,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “Our offices will be extremely busy next year with customers who have waited until the last minute to upgrade to a REAL ID. Save yourself some time and get your REAL ID this fall, when we expect our offices to be less busy.”
The documents needed to apply for a REAL ID are similar to those needed when individuals applied for their original Virginia driver’s license.
All applicants for a REAL IDcompliant credential, including current Virginia credential holders, must apply in person, pay a one-time $10 REAL ID surcharge in addition to standard fees, and provide DMV with physical documentation of: Identity (e.g. unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate); Legal Presence (e.g. unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate); Social Security Number (e.g. Social Security card or W-2 form displaying full nine digits); Residency (two proofs required, e.g. utility bills, mortgage statements, Virginia driver’s license displaying current Virginia residential street address); and Proof of any name changes (e.g. marriage certificates or divorce decrees).
Note: If the name on your identity document is different than your legal name, you must show proof of your name change. Most documents must be originals. Temporary documents and photocopies of documents will not be accepted.
Since REAL ID is optional, many Virginians may decide they don’t want or need one. But should they need to board a domestic flight after October 2020, they will need to use another federally approved ID. Visit dmvNOW. com/REALID for more information.