REAL ID

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Use our online document guide to facilitate your DMV visit!

What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is an optional, upgraded version of your driver’s license or ID card that has a star in the right corner.

Effective May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to present a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card, or another federally approved form of ID, in order to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base (some military bases may already require REAL ID or a federally approved form of ID*).

Since REAL ID is optional in Virginia, you may not need one if you already have another federally accepted form of ID, like a valid U.S. passport or military ID, or don’t travel by plane. 

Standard License vs REAL ID License

* Secure federal facilities and military bases have the authority to set their own identification requirements. Please verify requirements prior to your visit. Effective immediately, some military bases may no longer accept non-REAL ID compliant credentials, which display “Federal Limits Apply.”

How to Apply for a 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 before visiting a customer service center or
• Fill out a paper application at a customer service center

Step 2: Bring required documents to the DMV. These include:

1. One proof of identity.
2. Two proofs of Virginia residency.
3. One proof of legal presence.
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, 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. 
   Note: For example, a standard driver's license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver's license replacement costs $20.

See acceptable documents guide.

Note: All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification. However, printouts of acceptable online residency documents 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 Virginia

You can choose to make your license/ID a REAL ID when applying.

Step 1: Application

• Start the application online before visiting a customer service center or
• Fill out a paper application at a customer service center

 Step 2: Bring required documents to the DMV. These include:

1. One proof of identity.
2. Two proofs of Virginia residency.
3. One proof of legal presence.
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, 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. 
   Note: For example, a standard driver's license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver's license replacement costs $20.

See acceptable documents guide.

Note: All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification. However, printouts of acceptable online residency documents can be used as proof of residency. Temporary documents and photocopies of documents will not be accepted.

Common Scenarios That Require Name Change Documents 

You’ll need to bring certified name change documents if: 

• You got married and your current last name is different from the one on your birth certificate or identity document. 
  Example: Your birth certificate says Mary Ann Smith, but your ID says Mary Ann Jones.
• You’ve been divorced and changed your name back or to a new name.  
  → Bring the divorce decree indicating your name reverts to your prior name, or court records granting a new name.
• You had multiple name changes, such as marrying more than once.  
  → You’ll need to bring a document for each change to show the full name history.
• You completed a legal name change through the courts.  
  → A certified court order is required.
• You were adopted and your legal name differs from what’s on your birth certificate.  
  → Bring your adoption decree or court records.

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.

Effective 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.

See TSA’s full list of federally accepted identification.

Note: Secure federal facilities and military bases set their own identification requirements. Please verify requirements before your visit. Effective immediately, some military bases may no longer accept non-REAL ID compliant credentials, which display "Federal Limits Apply."

Frequently Asked Questions

View FAQs

Are there other websites that I can use to get a REAL ID?

No. Any website claiming to pre-scan and upload your REAL ID documents from home is not affiliated with DMV. Customers should not submit any images of personal documents to such websites, as they will not be sent to DMV and could be used for fraudulent purposes.

You may fill out a REAL ID application in advance. However, this process will not ask you to scan and upload documents. 

Want this info in pamphlet form?

See our printable REAL ID brochure.