As of May 7, 2025, the Virginia Real ID law is now in effect. Any Virginian 18 or older who wants to fly within the United States or visit federal buildings must now present a REAL ID-eligible driver’s license or ID card, or use another type of federally accepted ID, such as a bona fide passport. If you were planning to wait, the window has passed, and a new enforcement period has begun. Here’s what you need to know now, including how to apply if you haven’t yet and what documents you’ll need to get a Real ID in Virginia.
Eligibility requirements for the Virginia Real ID
To be eligible to apply for a REAL ID in Virginia, you must comply with the requirements that have been established by the federal government and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These requirements guarantee that all applicants are able to provide proof of identity and legal status in the U.S.
You need to be a resident of Virginia, lawfully in the United States, and capable of presenting valid proof of identity, residency, and Social Security status. The driver must also have or be eligible to have a Virginia driver’s license or ID card. Minors under 18 years are not obligated to get a REAL ID but can apply with the consent of their parents or guardians and appropriate documentation.
Documents required to obtain the Virginia Real ID
Original or certified documents must be submitted to confirm identity, Social Security Number, and Virginia residency. Photocopies or scanned copies will not be accepted, and the documents must be identical in all categories.
Identification for demonstration of identity (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate)
To demonstrate identity and legal status, you must submit one of the following:
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- A certified copy of your United States birth certificate
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- A valid Permanent Resident Card or employment authorization document
If you have legally changed your name and no longer have the same name as your identity document, you will need to provide name change documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Proof of Social Security Number
To verify your Social Security status, bring one of the following documents:
- Original Social Security card
- W-2 form with your complete Social Security Number
- Current pay stub with your complete SSN
If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you will have to submit a letter from the Social Security Administration indicating your ineligibility, and a document from the Department of Homeland Security indicating your lawful status.
Two proofs of Virginia residency
You are required to present two different documents with your name and your current address in Virginia. They may be:
- Recent utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.)
- Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Virginia vehicle registration
- Bank or credit card statement
- Official mail from a federal, state, or local government agency
These documents have to be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with another and do not have documents in your name, a residency affidavit will suffice, along with documentation supported by the one you live with.
Application process: How to get the Virginia Real ID
Even though the federal deadline has passed, Virginia residents can still obtain a REAL ID through the standard application process. Here’s a step-by-step look at what you’ll need to do.
Step 1: Complete the application form
You start by filling out the REAL ID application online through the Virginia DMV website or completing it at a customer service center. The form includes personal information and the type of card you’re applying for.
Step 2: Collect all required documents
Gather all original or certified documents required to verify identity, Social Security Number, and residency. Preparing these ahead of time helps avoid delays or multiple trips to the DMV.
Step 3: Go to a Virginia DMV customer service center
The application by appointment or in person step is the last one. Either by appointment or in person, you will have to go to a DMV customer service center with your completed application and documents.
Step 4: Pay the fee
REAL ID charges a $10 surcharge over the regular license or ID card charge. Therefore, for instance, if you are renewing a driver’s license, you pay the sum of $42 ($32 renewal + $10 REAL ID charge).
Step 5: Get your REAL ID card in the mail
When you start an application, you get a temporary paper license or ID card to use while you wait. The actual card—that’s marked with a gold circle and a star—is mailed to you and generally takes 7–10 business days to reach you.
Cost and time to get the Virginia Real ID
Virginia’s REAL ID deadline was May 7, 2025, and the compliance deadline has passed. What that means is that the next time you attempt to board a domestic airline flight or enter a federal building, you will have to present a REAL ID-compliant credential or a valid U.S. passport.
The REAL ID is optional if you never intend to fly domestically or visit secure federal buildings. But not having one can restrict your freedom to travel or visit federal offices in person without a passport.
This is how they split by charge:
- REAL ID surcharge: $10
- Driver’s license renewal: $32
- Replacement driver’s license: $20
- Compliant ID card: $2 annually (up to $10 for five years)
These charges are on top of any other DMV license charges due to your own DMV transaction.
What to do when you miss the deadline
Since the REAL ID enforcement is now active, any Virginia resident who still hasn’t upgraded their license must use an alternative form of ID for federal purposes until they complete the REAL ID process. The best way forward is to schedule a DMV appointment as soon as possible and begin gathering your documents.
You are not fined for lacking a REAL ID—you retain your existing Virginia license and it remains acceptable for driving and other non-federal use—but you may not use it to fly or enter federal buildings unless your license just happens to be REAL ID-compliant.
If you travel commercially or to federal facilities frequently, it’s easiest in the long term to get a REAL ID. Otherwise, travel on an approved passport or card issued by the federal government as needed.
Final thoughts and what to do next
Most Virginians waited until closer to the deadline, but planning time is over. All federal mandates take effect as of June 30, 2025. What that means is a Virginia REAL ID is now required for most domestic travel and access to federal buildings.
Lines at DMV offices are longer because more individuals are applying past the deadline. Preparedness will save your time and aggravation if you ever do travel sometime down the road. The process is easy, and being in compliance simplifies access to airports and federal buildings.
If you have not yet received one, there is still time to apply. You can still get your REAL ID by simply visiting your local DMV office with the proper documents and the fee. The earlier you do this, the less hassle you will have when you travel or take trips to federal appointments. For more information and to start your application, check out the Virginia DMV REAL ID official website.
