Virginia Real ID Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to get a Real ID in Virginia based on your current situation. The cost depends on whether you're renewing your license, applying for the first time, or replacing a lost/stolen license.
Your Total Cost
Getting a Real ID in Virginia isn’t just about upgrading your driver’s license-it’s about making sure you can fly domestically, enter federal buildings, or access secure military bases after May 7, 2025. If you’re wondering how much it costs, the short answer is: Virginia Real ID cost is $10 if you’re renewing your license normally, or $20 if you’re applying for it for the first time outside your renewal window.
What Exactly Is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a driver’s license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It has a gold star in the upper-right corner. Before 2025, your regular Virginia license was enough to board a plane or enter a federal facility. Now, if you don’t have a Real ID, you’ll need to carry a passport or another approved federal document every time you fly or access a secure building.
Virginia started issuing Real IDs in 2018, and by 2025, nearly 70% of licensed drivers in the state have already upgraded. If you haven’t, you’re not alone-but you’re running out of time.
How Much Does a Real ID Cost in Virginia?
The cost depends on your situation. Here’s the breakdown:
- $10 if you’re renewing your driver’s license or ID card and choose to get a Real ID at the same time.
- $20 if you’re applying for a Real ID for the first time and your current license isn’t up for renewal.
- $0 if you’re replacing a lost or stolen license and upgrade to Real ID at the same time (you still pay the $10 replacement fee, but no extra Real ID fee).
That $10 difference matters if you’re not due for renewal. If your license expires in 18 months, you could wait and pay only $10 instead of $20. But if you’re planning to fly in early 2025, it’s smarter to get it done now-especially since DMV offices get backed up in the months leading up to the deadline.
What Documents Do You Need?
Virginia doesn’t just ask for your word that you’re who you say you are. You need to bring original or certified copies of five documents:
- One proof of identity (like a U.S. birth certificate or valid passport)
- One proof of Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, or paystub with full SSN)
- Two proofs of Virginia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement-all dated within the last 60 days)
- One proof of legal presence (if you’re not a U.S. citizen, this could be a visa, green card, or employment authorization document)
Photocopies or digital screenshots won’t cut it. The DMV staff will check your originals and make copies for their records. If you’re missing even one document, you’ll leave empty-handed-and have to come back.
Where Can You Get a Real ID in Virginia?
You can’t get a Real ID at just any DMV office. Only full-service locations handle Real ID applications. As of 2025, there are 125 full-service DMV offices across Virginia. You can find the nearest one using the official DMV website’s office locator.
Some popular locations with long wait times include:
- Virginia Beach (2400 N. Atlantic Ave)
- Arlington (1000 N. Quincy St)
- Richmond (600 N. 10th St)
- Chantilly (13845 Chantilly Shopping Center Dr)
Wait times can range from 30 minutes to over two hours, especially on Mondays and Fridays. The best time to go? Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, right when the office opens at 8 a.m.
Can You Apply Online or by Mail?
No. Unlike regular license renewals, you must apply for a Real ID in person. This is because the DMV needs to physically verify your documents and take your photo. Even if your license is up for renewal and you usually renew online, you’ll still need to visit an office to get the Real ID upgrade.
There’s no workaround. Don’t waste your time trying to submit documents by email or through the portal-it won’t work. The system blocks Real ID applications unless you’ve completed the in-person verification step.
What If Your License Is About to Expire?
If your license expires in the next 6 months, you can renew it early and get the Real ID at the same time. Virginia lets you renew up to 12 months before expiration. That means if your license expires in March 2026, you can walk into the DMV in January 2025, pay $10, and walk out with a Real ID that lasts until 2031.
This is the smartest move. You avoid the rush, lock in the lower $10 fee, and get five extra years of validity. Plus, your new Real ID will have a new photo and updated address if needed.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Real ID?
If you don’t get a Real ID by May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to use your standard Virginia driver’s license to board a domestic flight. You’ll need to show a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another federally approved document.
That’s fine if you already have a passport. But if you don’t, and you’re planning a vacation, family visit, or business trip, you’ll be stuck. Getting a passport takes 8-12 weeks and costs $130. That’s more than double the cost of a Real ID-and you still need to go to a passport office, which has fewer locations and longer wait times than DMVs.
Real ID isn’t optional if you want to fly without extra hassle. It’s the cheapest, fastest way to stay compliant.
Common Mistakes People Make
Most people who fail to get their Real ID on time make the same mistakes:
- Bringing expired documents (like a utility bill from 90 days ago)
- Trying to use a digital copy of their birth certificate
- Forgetting to bring their Social Security card
- Showing up without an appointment during peak hours
- Assuming their old license will still work after May 2025
One woman in Fairfax showed up with a printed copy of her birth certificate from the county website. The DMV turned her away. She had to go back to the courthouse to get a certified copy-then waited another three weeks to get her Real ID. Don’t be her.
Real ID vs. Enhanced ID: What’s the Difference?
Virginia doesn’t offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), which are available in some states like Michigan and Washington. EDLs can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Virginia’s Real ID is only valid for federal purposes: flying and entering federal buildings.
If you’re planning international travel by land or sea, you still need a passport. Real ID doesn’t replace that.
Final Checklist Before You Go
Before you drive to the DMV, make sure you have:
- Original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport
- Original Social Security card or official document with your full SSN
- Two current Virginia residency documents (utility, bank, lease)
- Proof of legal presence (if applicable)
- Your current Virginia driver’s license or ID
- Payment method (cash, check, credit/debit card)
And don’t forget: no children or pets in the office. You’ll be there for at least 45 minutes. Leave them at home.
What If You’re Not a U.S. Citizen?
Legal residents, including those with green cards, work visas, or asylum status, can get a Real ID. You’ll need the same five documents-but your proof of legal presence will be different. Common documents include:
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
- Foreign passport with valid visa and I-94 record
Make sure your immigration documents are still valid. If they expire before your Real ID’s expiration date, your Real ID will only last until your immigration status expires.
Can I get a Real ID if my license is suspended?
No. You must have a valid Virginia driver’s license or ID to apply for a Real ID. If your license is suspended, you need to resolve the suspension first. Contact the Virginia DMV’s Driver Services Division to find out what steps you need to take.
Do I need a Real ID if I never fly?
Not technically. But if you ever plan to visit a federal building-like a courthouse, Social Security office, or military base-you’ll need it. Many government services require Real ID verification. It’s not just for flying. It’s becoming the standard for secure access.
Can I renew my Real ID online next time?
Yes. Once you have a Real ID, you can renew it online or by mail in future cycles-just like a regular license. But only the first-time Real ID application requires an in-person visit. After that, the system recognizes you as verified.
What if I lost my birth certificate?
You’ll need to get a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. In Virginia, that’s the Virginia Department of Health. It costs $12 and takes 7-10 business days. Plan ahead-this is the most common delay.
Is the Real ID the same as a passport?
No. A Real ID is only valid for domestic travel and federal building access. A passport is required for international air travel. You need both if you plan to travel abroad. The Real ID doesn’t replace your passport-it just replaces your standard driver’s license for domestic use.
Next Steps
If you’re reading this in December 2025, you’re already behind. But it’s not too late. Book your DMV appointment today. Use the online scheduler to pick a time slot-don’t just show up. Bring your documents. Pay the $10 or $20. Get your Real ID. And never worry about flying again.
It’s a small cost for a big convenience. And in a world where ID checks are everywhere, having one card that works for everything is worth it.