30-04-2025
One week until the Real ID enforcement
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – In one week, everyone across the nation will need to have their Real I.D. if they want to fly or enter federal buildings, military bases and other secure facilities.
While the country prepares for the approaching May 7th deadline, wait times inside DMV's have been skyrocketing across the country. And right here at home, the Roanoke Valley DMV has had lines wrapping around the building for the last couple of weeks.
'I think the early bird gets the worm, and I'm early,' said Brenda Bowman, who got to the d-m-v an hour before it opened at 8 a.m. on Monday, being one of the first ones there.
She tells WFXR she already had a Real I.D., but needs to get it renewed since she flies to see her family a lot.
'The wait time has been terrible. This is my second time trying to get to the I.D.. I went to a DMV 'to go' thing and it didn't work out as planned. So now I'm here at the crack of dawn,' said Bowman.
The DMV says if you're getting a Real I.D., setting up an appointment and beginning the process online is best.
Can you fly without a REAL ID after the May deadline?
'You'll need to bring one proof of identity to proof of Virginia residency, so that could be a utility bill or your driver's license with your current address. You also need to show one proof of legal presence. So it could be your Passport or your birth certificate. Remember your social security number. Also, if your name appears differently on your documents, bring proof that your name has changed,' said Camilia Barco, the media liaison for Virginia's DMV.
The cost of a Real I.D. is $10, along with the cost of a new I.D. Virginians do have a choice of getting a Real I.D. however:
'Anyone planning domestic air travel or if they want to access a federal facility like the federal courthouse, they will need a real I.D. beginning May 7th, 2025,' said Barco, 'If you don't have a Real I.D., you'll need to provide another federally accepted document, and that can include a U.S. Passport.'
The DMV does say if you are unable to get the Real I.D. before the deadline, they will continue to issue them after May 7th.
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