What Is a REAL ID in Virginia? Your Guide to Compliance and Renewal

Starting May 7, 2025, you can’t use a standard Virginia driver’s license to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings like courthouses or military bases. If your license doesn’t have a gold star in the top right corner, it’s not REAL ID compliant - and that could leave you stranded at the airport. This isn’t a trick or a rumor. It’s federal law, and Virginia is enforcing it.

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’s not a new type of license - it’s just a more secure version of the one you already have. The gold star on the card means it’s been verified against official government records. Without it, your Virginia license is just a state-issued ID, not one that’s accepted for federal purposes.

Before 2005, every state issued licenses with different levels of security. Some only required a birth certificate. Others didn’t check immigration status at all. After 9/11, Congress passed the REAL ID Act to close those gaps. Virginia started issuing REAL IDs in 2018, but many people still don’t realize they need to upgrade.

Why Does It Matter for Virginia Drivers?

If you’re flying within the U.S. - say, from Richmond to Orlando - you’ll need a REAL ID or another approved document like a passport. Same goes for visiting a federal facility, like a VA hospital or a Social Security office. Even if you’ve renewed your license every year, if you didn’t specifically ask for a REAL ID during renewal, you’re still using the old version.

Virginia DMV records show that as of January 2026, only about 68% of licensed drivers in the state have upgraded. That means over 30% of drivers - nearly 1.5 million people - are at risk of being turned away at airport security checkpoints. It’s not a small oversight. It’s a travel blocker.

How to Get a REAL ID in Virginia

To get a REAL ID in Virginia, you need to visit a DMV office in person. You can’t do it online, by mail, or over the phone. You’ll need to bring five things:

1. Proof of identity: A U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.
2. Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card or a W-2 with your full number.
3. Two proofs of Virginia residency: These can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or pay stub - all must show your current Virginia address and be dated within the last 60 days.
4. Proof of legal presence (if applicable): If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need documentation like an employment authorization document or visa.
5. Your current Virginia driver’s license: You’ll turn this in and get a new one with the gold star.

There’s no extra fee if you’re renewing on time. But if your license is expired, you’ll pay the standard renewal fee - $32 for a five-year license. If you’re upgrading from a non-REAL ID to a REAL ID before renewal, you’ll pay $10 extra.

What If You Don’t Have the Right Documents?

Many people struggle with this part. Maybe your birth certificate is lost. Maybe your name changed after marriage and your documents don’t match. Maybe you’re undocumented and can’t get a Social Security card.

Virginia DMV has options. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the state where you were born. Most states offer this online for under $20. If your name changed, bring your marriage certificate or court order. If you’re undocumented, you can still get a standard Virginia license - it just won’t have the gold star. You’ll still be able to drive legally, but you’ll need a passport for air travel.

There’s also a workaround for students and military personnel. If you’re living in Virginia but your permanent address is elsewhere, you can use your school enrollment letter or military orders as proof of residency.

REAL ID vs. Standard License: What’s the Difference?

Visually, the only difference is the gold star. Functionally, the difference is huge.

Think of it this way: your standard license lets you drive. Your REAL ID lets you fly. You don’t need the REAL ID to get to work, the grocery store, or the DMV. But if you want to visit family in another state by plane, you need it.

What Happens If You Don’t Get One?

You won’t lose your driving privileges. You’ll still be able to drive. You’ll still be able to rent a car. You’ll still be able to cash checks. But you won’t be able to fly without a passport. And if you forget your passport, you’re out of luck.

Some people think they can just use their passport every time. But passports expire. They cost $165 to renew. They take weeks to get. If you’re flying last-minute for a funeral, a job interview, or a medical appointment, you won’t have time to wait. A REAL ID is cheaper, easier to carry, and always with you - just like your driver’s license.

How to Check If You Already Have One

Look at your license. If you see a small gold star in the top right corner, you’re good. If it’s just a plain card with no star, you don’t have one.

Still unsure? Log into your Virginia DMV online account. If your license status says “REAL ID compliant,” you’re set. If it says “standard,” you need to upgrade.

If you don’t have an online account, you can call the DMV at 804-497-7100. Have your license number ready. They can tell you in under a minute.

When Should You Upgrade?

Don’t wait until the last minute. DMV offices get packed in the months leading up to the May 2025 deadline. Even though the deadline passed, many people are still waiting. Wait times can be over two hours. Some offices now require appointments.

The best time to upgrade is when you’re already renewing your license. That way, you pay no extra fee. If your license expires in November 2026, wait until then. But if it expires next month, don’t delay.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you’ll need to retake the vision test. If it’s been more than five years, you might need to retake the written test. The rules are strict, and the DMV doesn’t give warnings.

What About Other States?

Every state has its own version of the REAL ID. If you move from Virginia to North Carolina, your Virginia REAL ID still works. But if you move to a state that doesn’t issue REAL IDs - like New York or California - you’ll need to get a new one there. The system is nationwide, but each state runs its own program.

Virginia is one of the most proactive states in enforcing this. They send reminder letters to drivers whose licenses are due for renewal. They post signs at DMV offices. They even run ads on local radio. They know how many people are at risk.

What’s Next After You Get Your REAL ID?

Keep it safe. Don’t laminate it. Don’t bend it. If it gets damaged, you’ll need to replace it - and that costs $20.

Update your travel plans. If you’ve been planning a trip to Florida or Colorado, now’s the time to make sure your ID is ready. If you’ve been using your passport for flights, consider switching to your REAL ID. It’s lighter, fits in your wallet, and doesn’t expire for five years.

And if you’re helping a parent or older relative - many seniors don’t fly often and didn’t realize this change was coming - help them check their license. A quick glance at the top corner could save them a major trip disruption.