Latest news with #VirginiaDepartmentofMotorVehicles
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Virginia State Police urge driver safety for Motorcycle Safety Month
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and because of warmer weather hitting our region, more bikers are likely to ride on the open road. Virginia State Police is encouraging all drivers, whether you are are motorcycles or cars, to be more careful on the road. Motorcycle crash fatalities almost match the pace of 2024. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there have been 26 motorcycle fatalities as of April 30 in 2025. 18 of those crashes came in May and April. Last year, there were 30 fatalities between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024. 47-year-old motorcyclist identified after crash in Campbell County 'A motorcycle ride can absolutely be a fantastic experience,' said Virginia State Police Captain Richard Denney, who is the State Motorcycle Coordinator. 'But it requires you to know your capabilities on the bike, and for other drivers to make sure they are aware of when motorcycles are around.' 'Ride to Save Lives' is an assessment for riders to get the opportunity to learn and to practice safe riding. Bikers can learn how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiation, and more. Courses will be taught by the Virginia State Police Motor Troopers in a safe and controlled environment. To register and find courses, visit Those wanting to attend should sign up while the space in the course is open. You must have a valid operator's license with a Class 'M' endorsement, appropriate riding attire, and a helmet and eye protection. Courses are available through October with different locations around the commonwealth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
MORNING GLORY: 'REAL ID' is coming for you
It is my second trip to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in four days. I admit from the start it is my fault that I had to make two trips. When I traveled two weeks ago, the friendly TSA agents reminded me —repeatedly— that come May 7, I would need to bring my passport as my valid Virginia driver's license was non-compliant with the REAL ID Act. I was vaguely aware that the push for new "REAL" IDs was back, the requirement to obtain one having been suspended during Covid, but unaware that the deadline loomed. So last Thursday I trekked to my local DMV office, bringing along my current, valid, Virginia driver's license, my current, valid passport, my Social Security Card and my birth certificate. Surely, I supposed, that would be enough as I'd been assured I could fly with just the passport by the helpful Team TSA. REAL ID REJECTION BY AMERICANS MAY COME DOWN TO ONE SURPRISING FACTOR I definitely needed the new license because, while a "REAL ID is an optional, upgraded version of your driver's license or ID card that has a star in the right corner," I had no star and no desire to carry my passport everywhere. Not surprisingly, a lot of people want to get their"REAL ID" for as the VA DMV helpfully alerts you: "Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to present a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card, or another federally approved form of ID, in order to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base (some military bases may already require REAL ID or a federally approved form of ID*)." The DMV opens at 8 AM, so I rolled up last Thursday at 7:30 AM. The line was already more than a dozen people long. An hour later more than 50 good folks were standing in the rope line waiting for one of the three DMV employees assigned to the REAL ID processing. The average processing time was 15 minutes —at the head of the line. You may want to pack a lunch if you get there at official opening time. It had not occurred to DMV to perhaps add some staff for REAL ID deadline days, or reassign others from the standard busy work. No. Just three DMVers on Thursday and three again on Monday. I'd flunked REAL ID eligibility last week because none of my current documents list my home address. I use a P.O. Box for a variety of reasons on my driver's license and had —wrongfully it turns out— thought that as a passport could get me on the plane, my passport plus my driver's license, birth certificate and Social Security card should serve to secure my star, right? Wrong. I needed a utility bill or a mortgage statement or a voter registration card with my home address on it. When I smiled my mild protest that, as a valid passport is sufficient to board a plane, why would it not be sufficient to obtain my "REAL ID" I got the DMV look back. It's the same look at every DMV everywhere. She had heard it all before, but it says on the VIrginia DMV website that I needed documents with my home address. Hadn't I read the DMV website? Ms. DMV sent me home in search of "secondary documents" with my physical address on it. "Your house deed will work" she helpfully offered. I dutifully trooped off to my Registrar of Voters and got a voter card with my home address on it. I added a print out of a utility bill and a print out of my mortgage and returned three days later. And held my breath. The young'n in front of me was getting shot down and was not happy. He'd taken off work. He'd just moved here. He worked remotely and didn't have a boss who could write him a letter with his home address on it. He hadn't opened a bank account. There were unhappy Virginia drivers at windows two and three as well, perplexed that their state government was making it difficult for them to get a new version of their perfectly legal driver's license. Expressing dismay at a DMV counter is a rookie mistake. Never, ever express unhappiness or dissatisfaction of any sort with anyone at any DMV. Ever. It will become a mark in your permanent record, and while nothing else moves quickly among the nation's DMVs, word of troublemakers challenge light speed in their travels. My advice is based on experience with four state DMVs and the District of Columbia DMV (the latter is where crying citizens can be seen on an almost on-demand basis.) So having obtained the paperwork and a promise that the new license would be sent —to my P.O. Box, of course— I decided to search out the original reason for "Real ID." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Turns out that "The REAL ID Act" was passed in 2005, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to set federal standards for state-issued identification. 2005! Now, it's been 20 years since the law passed and almost 24 since 9/11, so the next question is "Why the urgency now?" As far as I can tell from the Transportation Security Agency website, the May 7 deadline is now because it is – there had to be a deadline sometime. It's the same reason that octogenarians are routinely pulled aside for special screening because the buzzer sounds at the TSA station. Doesn't matter if you have "TSA-pre" or "Clear" or have zero luggage and not even a sweater. The buzzer is the virtual guillotine, and there are Madame Defarges everywhere to enforce the buzzer. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Here's the good news. If you entered the country without permission but obtained "Temporary Protected Status" under one of the Biden-era machinations, you too can get a "REAL ID: "Yes, a TPS beneficiary or individual with a pending TPS application can obtain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card: "The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain designated countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS." Such folks are eligible for REAL ID. Good to know that. But better to know the passport that will get you on to the plane come Wednesday will not get you a REAL ID. Forewarned is forearmed. Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor, and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show," heard weekday mornings 6am to 9am ET on the Salem Radio Network, and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh wakes up America on over 400 affiliates nationwide, and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel's news roundtable hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6pm ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman University's Fowler School of Law since 1996 where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcast, and this column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Virginia State Police offers ‘Ride 2 Save Lives' to reduce motorcycle crash deaths
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and Virginia State Police is offering 'Ride 2 Save Lives,' a self-assessment course designed to make motorcycle interactions safer. 'A motorcycle ride can absolutely be a fantastic experience,' said Virginia State Police Captain Richard Denney, who is the State Motorcycle Coordinator. 'But it requires you to know your capabilities on the bike, and for other drivers to make sure they are aware of when motorcycles are around.' The courses are designed to allow current riders to learn and practice rider safety, how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiation and much more. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles says there have been 26 motorcycle fatalities as of April 30, with 18 coming in the months of March and April. In 2024, 30 motorcycle fatalities were recorded between January through April. For more information on the class and how to register, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Traveling soon? You'll need a REAL ID going forward. Here's what Virginians need to know.
After years of delays, the federal government is finally going to begin enforcing the REAL ID requirement May 7. That means you'll need a REAL ID if you use your driver's license or state ID to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. 'At the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there's no 'last day' to get a REAL ID—just plenty of good days to apply—because DMV is issuing REAL IDs year-round,' a DMV spokesperson said in a release. 'The key is for customers to have a REAL ID before their next domestic flight or visit to a secure federal facility.' Other forms of identification, like passports, will still be accepted. The REAL ID, which costs a one-time fee of $10 in addition to the standard fee for an ID, is optional in Virginia. You won't need it to drive or to vote. Lines at local DMV offices to get REAL IDs have reportedly been long. Those who are traveling soon without a passport should plan on making an appointment to get one now, the DMV said. To get a REAL ID, start the application process online at the DMV's website, or fill out the paper application at a DMV customer service center. Once you've scheduled an appointment at the DMV, you'll be asked to provide: One proof of identity. Two proofs of Virginia residency, like bills or mail. One proof of legal presence, like a passport, visa or birth certificate. Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you know your SSN, DMV can verify it electronically. Proof of name change, if your name appears differently on your proof documents $10 fee, plus the cost of the driver's license or ID card you're applying for. For example, a standard driver's license renewal costs $32, while a standard driver's license replacement costs $20.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
TSA, Virginia DMV, team up to issue REAL IDs ahead of May deadline
RICHMOND, Va (WAVY) – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles teamed up with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Washington Dulles International Airport Monday to remind Virginia residents to get their REAL IDs ahead of the May 7 deadline. The final rule of enforcement, which was published Jan. 13, states that Virginians need to present a REAL ID or another federally-accepted document in order to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. 'Time is ticking, and the Virginia DMV is ready to serve you,' said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. 'We recommend starting your REAL ID application online. You can easily check the required documents ahead of time and make an appointment to reserve your spot, making the whole process faster and more convenient.' In the month of March alone, the DMV has issued more than 104,000 REAL IDs to Virginia residents and 4.1 millions Virginians since October 2018. For those looking to minimize their time in line, the DMV has some tips: Start your application online to confirm you have the correct documents. Schedule an appointment for faster service. Bring the required fees – a Virginia REAL ID costs a one-time $10 fee in addition to the driver's license or ID card fee. You can click here to start your application. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
