Real ID deadline extended by one year

Virginians have until Oct. 1, 2021, to obtain new federally compliant driver's licenses

Published March 27, 2020 by Richard Foster

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has extended the deadline for Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses by a year, meaning Virginians now have until Oct. 1, 2021, to obtain the new enhanced driver’s licenses and identification credential that will be required for domestic air travel.

“We applaud the 1.3 million Virginians who were proactive in obtaining their REAL ID,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “But we are grateful that the federal government has extended the deadline for Virginians who still need to get a REAL ID. Because of the current public health emergency, many DMVs across the country simply aren’t able to safely do business right now. As REAL ID requires an in-person visit, customers shouldn’t be put at a disadvantage due to a situation that’s beyond all of our control.”

About 1.3 million additional Virginians will likely need to get a Real ID before October 2021, according to DMV estimates.

In order to board a domestic flight after October 2021, travelers will need to present a Real ID-compliant credential, which contain a small star in the upper right corner, at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings.  Several other forms of ID, including U.S. passports, passport cards and some military IDs, will also be accepted for federal identification.

Real ID credentials, which were approved by Congress in 2005 as part of post 9/11 security measures,  will likely also be required for access to secure federal facilities and military bases.

To obtain a Real ID, Virginians will need to visit a DMV branch in person and bring documents showing proof of:

 identity and legal presence (such as an unexpired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or unexpired
permanent resident card);
 Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form displaying full nine digits);
 residency – two proofs are required and must display name and current Virginia residential street
address. (Examples include recent utility bills, mortgage statements, valid Virginia driver’s license.)
 Any name changes (marriage certificates or divorce decrees). Multiple documents may be necessary if your name has changed more than once.