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Starting May 7, anyone who wants to use their state-issued driver’s license or identification card to board a domestic flight, or enter federal courthouses and military bases, will have to present a REAL ID-compliant version of the credential, displaying a small star in the upper-right corner.

The deadline comes two years after the federal government extended the original May 3, 2023, enforcement date.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, over 4.1 million, or 59%, of Virginians with active driver’s licenses now have REAL ID. In March alone, the DMV issued more than 104,000 REAL IDs.

Several other forms of ID, including a U.S. passport and some military IDs also remain acceptable for federal identification ahead of boarding a flight.

To meet the growing demand for REAL IDs, the DMV is offering additional opportunities to obtain one, including: 

• REAL ID Appointment Only Events: DMV has extended Saturday hours and hosted REAL ID Appointment-Only events at locations including Tysons Corner, Hampton and Virginia Beach Customer Service Centers (CSCs). Another appointment-only REAL ID event is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, at the Chesterfield DMV CSC from 2-6 p.m. Appointments for the events are available online, and only those with an appointment can attend.
• DMV Connect Service – DMV’s mobile service teams, which issue driver’s licenses and IDs, were deployed to Richmond Central, Virginia Beach and Arlington CSCs in March, to process REAL ID applications. DMV will continue deploying its Connect Service team to issue REAL IDs throughout the state.

“Time is ticking, and the Virginia DMV is ready to serve you,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “We recommend starting your REAL ID application online. You can easily check the required documents ahead of time and make an appointment to reserve your spot, making the whole process faster and more convenient.”

With 76 DMV customer service centers statewide, including one in Smithfield that opened last year, appointment availability in April and May varies by location. Despite the increased demand for REAL ID—and higher traffic at some location like Arlington, the DMV has maintained efficient wait times with a statewide average wait time of 16.2 minutes in March 2025. Customers with an appointment waited an average of 8.4 minutes, while walk-ins waited an average of 17.2 minutes in March 2025.

To ensure a smooth experience at the DMV, the agency encourages Virginians to:

• Start your application online to confirm you have the correct documents.
• Schedule an appointment for faster service.
• Bring the required fees – a Virginia REAL ID costs a one-time $10 fee in addition to the driver’s license or ID card fee.

For more information and to begin your REAL ID application, visit www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/real-id.