RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has started offering residents the option to upgrade their driver's licenses to meet federal requirements that will affect plane travelers.
Virginia licenses aren't currently compliant with the federal REAL ID program, which was enacted after the Sept. 11 attacks. Beginning in October 2020, noncompliant IDs won't be sufficient for boarding a plane or entering secure federal facilities or military bases.
The state began offering the upgraded licenses Monday. People seeking them must apply in person and provide physical documentation of their identity, legal presence in the U.S., Social Security number and two proofs of residency. Fees apply.
The DMV advises that many Virginians may not need a new license. Airline passengers can also use other approved forms of ID , including a passport.
