We are within a year of the REAL ID requirements going into effect. Don’t wait until the first of the year, or later to apply.
“Beginning May 3, 2023, the federal government will require you to present a REAL ID compliant credential, or another federally approved form of ID, in order to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility.” ~from the Virginia DMV website.
You may be asking, “What is a REAL ID and why do I need one?”
The federal Government passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 basically requiring a minimum security standard for state-issued IDs such as a driver’s license. The enforcement date has been pushed back repeatedly over the years to give the States time to put procedures into place. We are now within a year.
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
So, now that you know you’ll need one to fly, your next question is probably “How do I get one?”
I’m happy to report that the process is quite simple in Virginia, albeit a bit cumbersome. You’ll need a combination of documents: one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, one proof of your social security number and your current driver’s license. Personally, the combination of my current Passport, voter registration card, current license and my social security card were enough to fill all of the requirements. Check the DMV website for your state to obtain the complete list.
You can also get an ID card that is REAL ID compliant, my daughter isn’t old enough for a drivers license just yet, but as a teenager is occasionally asked for ID. We went yesterday to apply for a REAL ID card with DMV. The process was quite easy. We were able to use her passport along with her social security card and my REAL ID. Had my ID not already been compliant there would have been more paperwork necessary. Luckily, we were in and out of DMV within 15 minutes.