Get a REAL ID in Virginia

Online or in person

No, first REAL ID in person · One visit to a customer service centerYou can start the application online, but it doesn't upload documents; you bring them to DMV. After your first REAL ID, you can renew it online on the standard schedule. Appointments are available Monday to Friday; walk-ins and e-tickets during regular office hours. DMV doesn't say an appointment is required, but suggests booking one to two months before your next flight.

Cost

$10 one-time, plus the card feeDMV's examples: a standard driver's license renewal costs $32 and a replacement $20. An ID card costs $2 per year (minimum $10, maximum $16).

You leave with

Temporary paper, card by mailYou leave with a temporary driving permit (valid 30 days) or an ID card receipt. The card arrives by mail within 7-10 days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and legal presence
     Originals only, showing your full legal name and date of birth. One of these proves both identity and legal presence.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Official birth certificate (issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction or territory; not a hospital birth document or notification of birth registration. Puerto Rico certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are not accepted)
     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card (temporary passports are not accepted)
     • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545) or Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350)
   • Proof of Social Security number
     Only if you've been issued a number. It must show your name and all nine digits. You don't need it if you know your number and DMV can verify it electronically. ITINs are not accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 form
     • Payroll check stub from your employer (showing your full Social Security number)
     • SSA-1099 or non-SSA-1099 form
   • First proof of Virginia residency (primary list)
     With your name and current Virginia street address as on your application; no P.O. box or business address. Printouts from an online account may be accepted. Under 19: a parent or legal guardian can come with you and certify your residency with their own ID and two residency proofs.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Virginia driver's license, learner's permit or DMV ID card showing your current address (unexpired or expired no more than one year)
     • Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement or residential rental/lease agreement
     • Utility bill issued to you, not more than two months old (gas, electric, sewer, water, cable or phone; cell phone bills are not accepted)
     • Monthly bank or credit card statement, not more than two months old
     • Payroll check stub from the last two months
     • W-2 or 1099 form, not more than 18 months old
     • Virginia voter registration card mailed by your local registrar
     • USPS change of address confirmation, or postmarked mail with a forwarding address label
     • Receipt for Virginia personal property or real estate taxes paid within the last year
     • Current homeowners insurance policy or bill, or current auto or life insurance bill (insurance cards and auto or life policies are not accepted)
     • Medical or dental bill from the last two months
     • School records, transcript or report card from the last year, or a Virginia Department of Education Certificate of Enrollment
     • Annual Social Security statement for the current or previous year
     • Cancelled check not more than two months old (voided checks are not accepted)
     • Active-duty military in Virginia: orders, commanding officer's letter, or Leave and Earnings Statement showing Virginia as home of record
     • Virginia Offender Information Form
     • Approved Homeless Shelter Agreement
   • Second proof of Virginia residency
     Another document from the primary list, or one from the secondary list, with your name and current address.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Another document from the primary list
     • Postmarked USPS mail
     • Official mail from a federal, state or local government agency (DMV-issued documents without a postmarked envelope are not accepted)
     • Billing statement or other official document from a recognizable business

2. Start your application online

   Existing customers can start a REAL ID replacement or renewal online before visiting; it helps you pick the documents to bring but doesn't upload them. You can also fill out a paper application at the customer service center.

   Start a REAL ID application on dmv.virginia.gov ↗

3. Book an appointment or walk in

   Appointments are available Monday to Friday: pick the service, office, date and time. Or walk in during regular office hours, or reserve a same-day spot with an e-ticket by scanning the office's QR code or texting its code to 89247.

   Plan your visit on dmv.virginia.gov ↗

4. Visit a customer service center

   Bring your original documents to a DMV customer service center, not a DMV Select. DMV scans and stores your documents; you may black out financial details that don't matter for REAL ID, such as on a bank statement or W-2.

   Find a customer service center on dmv.virginia.gov ↗

5. Get your card by mail

   You get a temporary driving permit (valid 30 days) or an ID card receipt, and the card is mailed within 7-10 days. Your DMV address must be your current mailing address: the Postal Service won't forward the card. Under 18 with a first license: it goes to your local Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, which schedules a licensing ceremony.