The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – All Virginia DMV full-service customer service centers will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Thursday, November 28 through Saturday, November 30, and will reopen on Monday, December 2. During the closure, customers can still access more than 50 DMV services online at dmv.virginia.gov.
One service we encourage you to get started online is your REAL ID application. “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and we want to make sure Virginians are prepared for upcoming changes to air travel security requirements,” said Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “If you travel by air, even occasionally, now is the time to upgrade your license to a REAL ID. You don’t want to miss important moments like family holidays because your ID isn’t ready for future travel requirements,” said Lackey.
As Virginians prepare to travel for Thanksgiving, whether flying home to visit family or heading out for a long weekend getaway, it’s important to remember that next year a regular driver’s license will no longer be enough to board a domestic flight.
Starting May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID to pass through TSA airport security. In addition to air travel, REAL ID regulations will apply to military bases and other secure federal facilities. Some military installations are already requiring REAL ID or another federally accepted ID for entry.
How to Get Your REAL ID
Upgrading to a REAL ID is easy. To apply, complete your application online at the Virginia DMV website and then visit a DMV customer service center with the necessary documents. Most Virginians will need:
– A state-issued birth certificate or valid U.S. passport
– A Social Security card or number
– Two proofs of Virginia residency, such as utility bills or bank statements
The cost of a REAL ID upgrade is a one-time $10 fee, in addition to the cost of your regular license or ID. Full details and application instructions are available at dmv.virginia.gov/REALID.
With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to upgrade your driver’s license and ensure you can travel without delay in the future. Apply online today.
For more information, visit dmv.virginia.gov.
