Virginia Adopts REAL ID: A Travel Necessity by May 2025

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 6, 2024 17:32 PMNews
Share:
Person holding an open brown leather wallet showing various cards
Person holding an open brown leather wallet showing various cards. Source: unsplash

Starting May 7, 2025, Virginia residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board domestic flights, a new requirement under federal regulations aimed at enhancing security. This change affects anyone planning to use their driver’s license as identification at airport security checkpoints and certain federal facilities.

Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles is urging residents to upgrade to REAL ID-compliant licenses, identifiable by a star in the upper right corner, to meet these new federal standards. The enforcement of this requirement, as explained by Robin "Chuck" Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Richmond International Airport, aims to improve identification reliability and prevent fraud.

The upcoming change is part of a broader federal initiative, the REAL ID Act of 2005, designed to prevent terrorism by standardizing the issuance and management of identification documents. As the deadline approaches, state and federal agencies are working to ensure all travelers are aware and prepared for the transition.

Obtaining a REAL ID requires Virginians to present specific documents proving U.S. citizenship and Virginia residency at a DMV office. This includes a passport or birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of residency, among other items. This process aims to streamline identification procedures at airports and enhance national security.

Travelers lacking a REAL ID by May 2025 will need alternative identification, such as a passport, to access airline services and secure federal locations. This significant shift underscores the importance of compliance to avoid travel disruptions and maintain access to federal services.

Top Articles
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Ryanair passengers boarding at airport

Ryanair Passenger Convicted After Onboard Assault

Sep 17, 2025 21:34 PM
Cat looking out airplane window during flight

Passengers Can Bring Pets on Select Australian Flights

Sep 17, 2025 20:27 PM

Temporary Rail Changes May Affect North Wales Coastal Travel

Sep 17, 2025 20:13 PM

Direct Air Link from Varna to Milan Bergamo Returns

Sep 17, 2025 19:56 PM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and warm lighting

New Lodging Opens Near Disneyland Paris for 2026 Visitors

Sep 17, 2025 19:49 PM
Swiss International Air Lines planes at Zurich Airport terminal

Zurich Airport Tests Driverless Buses, Paving the Way for Faster Internal Travel

Sep 16, 2025 22:26 PM
Railway signal light along rural tracks

Essential Rail Upgrades Bring Travel Disruptions

Sep 16, 2025 21:49 PM
Model walking runway in flowing red gown

Global Cities Open Their Doors: Travelers Gain Insider Access to Art, Fashion, and Film

Sep 16, 2025 20:33 PM
Road closed sign blocking empty street during construction

Roadworks to Affect Access to Rotterdam The Hague Airport in September and October

Sep 16, 2025 19:24 PM

Manchester Airport Expands Flights to Unusual Global Destinations

Sep 16, 2025 18:47 PM

From Pasta to Pastries: Interactive Cooking Experiences Worldwide

Sep 16, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane flying against clear sky

Daily Flights to Vilnius and Fresh Routes from Tallinn This Winter

Sep 15, 2025 22:27 PM
KLM aircraft landing during winter schedule expansion

KLM Expands Winter Flight Network with 161 Global Destinations

Sep 15, 2025 21:41 PM
Passengers waiting in line at an airport boarding gate

Air Canada Maintains Flights and Expense Support for Travelers

Sep 15, 2025 20:34 PM
Avanti West Coast train at a station platform

Avanti West Coast Increases Train Services Across Key UK Routes

Sep 15, 2025 19:29 PM

Bodrum Adds Coastal Stays for Future Visitors

Sep 15, 2025 18:43 PM

East Midlands Rail Works to Affect Weekend Travel Plans

Sep 15, 2025 17:36 PM
Scenic view of St Vincent coastline with small islands and turquoise waters

Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

Sep 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM
Tokyo Disneyland entrance decorated for holiday season

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM
Icelandair aircraft approaching runway

Icelandair Introduces Year-Round Flights Between Edinburgh and Reykjavik

Sep 13, 2025 19:33 PM

Reduced SAS Fares Support Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Northern Sweden

Sep 13, 2025 18:44 PM

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM
AirAsia airplane wing and logo above the clouds

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM
Woman checking phone for updates

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM