Congressman Beyer Hosts REAL ID Application Event
Congressman Don Beyer partnered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Saturday to host a REAL ID application event for constituents of the 8th District at Wakefield High School in Arlington. DMV Connect, the department’s mobile “office in a suitcase,” processed REAL ID applications for residents.
“More than one million Virginians now have their REAL ID,” Congressman Beyer said. “If you have not already obtained your REAL ID, now is the time to decide if you will need one. If you do, please apply soon to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you have the identification you will need when new requirements take effect in October.”
Beginning October 1, 2020, U.S. residents who want to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility using their state-issued driver’s license or ID as identification must have a version of the credential that is REAL ID compliant. Otherwise, they will need to present another form of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card or U.S. Department of Defense ID.
Obtaining a REAL ID is optional in Virginia. Some Virginians may not need a REAL ID because they do not travel by air or need access to secure federal facilities. Additionally, others may decide not to apply because they hold another federally accepted form of identification.
“We estimate about 1.6 million more Virginians will want to get a REAL ID before federal enforcement takes effect,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “REAL ID is optional in Virginia, but, if you need one, please do not wait until the last minute. The sooner you apply, the faster we will be able to serve you.”
More than 37,000 REAL IDs have been issued via DMV’s mobile operations program. DMV’s 12 mobile teams travel the Commonwealth providing service to Virginians at convenient locations they frequent, such as government centers, shopping malls and libraries.
DMV’s mobile operations program is composed of DMV 2 Go and DMV Connect. DMV 2 Go is the agency’s full-service office on wheels. DMV Connect operates via a suitcase equipped with everything needed to conduct DMV business. DMV Connect can conduct all DMV transactions except vital records and testing.
In 2019, DMV’s mobile teams conducted more than 110,000 transactions in more than 2,100 visits all over Virginia. More than a quarter of those transactions were REAL IDs.
In order to obtain a REAL ID, customers must visit DMV in person with certain documents which show proof of:
Identity and Legal Presence (e.g. unexpired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or unexpired Permanent Resident card);
Social Security Number (e.g. Social Security card or W-2 form displaying full nine digits);
Residency – two proofs required and must display name and current Virginia residential street address (e.g. recent utility bills, mortgage statements, valid Virginia driver’s license); and
Any name changes (e.g. marriage certificates or divorce decrees). Note: If the name on your identity document is different than your legal name, you must show proof of your name change. Multiple documents may be necessary if your name has changed more than once. DMV can issue certified copies of Virginia birth and marriage certificates for a fee.
There are a variety of acceptable documents; a complete list is available at dmvNOW.com/REALID. You may also use DMV’s interactive document guide. Existing DMV customers can fill out their application online before visiting DMV to complete the transaction.
