Sterling, VA -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) partnered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to host a REAL ID application and information event for constituents at the Congresswoman’s Sterling district office. Congresswoman Wexton was joined by DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb and DMV’s mobile operations team, which processed REAL ID applications for residents.
“I’m pleased to have had this opportunity to offer DMV’s convenient mobile service to my constituents,” Congresswoman Wexton said. “Approximately one million Virginians have already obtained their REAL ID, but many more still need to apply. Time is of the essence. Virginians should decide if REAL ID is right for them and, if so, apply now at their local DMV office or mobile location.”
Beginning October 1, 2020, U.S. residents who want to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility using their state-issued driver’s license or ID card as identification must have a version of the credential that is REAL ID compliant. Otherwise, they will need to present another form of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card or U.S. Department of Defense ID.
Obtaining a REAL ID is optional in Virginia. Some Virginians may not need a REAL ID because they do not travel by air or need access to secure federal facilities. Additionally, others may decide not to apply because they hold another federally accepted form of identification.
“REAL ID is optional in Virginia so you get to make the choice of whether you need to obtain one,” said Commissioner Holcomb. “According to our estimates, about 1.6 million more Virginians will visit DMV to get a REAL ID in coming months. If you want to get one for yourself, January is a great time to visit. Many customers will wait until the last minute. The sooner you apply, the faster we’ll be able to serve you.”
More than 34,000 REAL IDs have been issued via DMV’s mobile operations program. DMV’s 12 mobile teams travel the Commonwealth providing service to Virginians at convenient locations they frequent, such as government centers, shopping malls and libraries.
“DMV’s mobile operations program makes DMV more accessible by adding even more convenient service locations,” Congresswoman Wexton said. “I’m glad my constituents have the opportunity to obtain DMV services in the places they live, shop and work.”
DMV’s mobile operations program is composed of DMV 2 Go and DMV Connect. DMV 2 Go is the agency’s full-service office on wheels. DMV Connect operates via a suitcase equipped with everything needed to conduct DMV business. DMV Connect can conduct all DMV transactions except vital records and testing.
“In 2019, our mobile teams conducted more than 110,000 transactions in more than 2,100 visits all over Virginia,” Commissioner Holcomb said. “More than a quarter of those transactions have been REAL ID which is crucial to our operations because that is 31,000 customers with time-consuming transactions we didn’t have to serve in our already busy brick-and-mortar offices.”
In order to obtain a REAL ID, customers must visit the DMV in person with certain documents which show proof of:
- Identity and Legal Presence (e.g. unexpired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or unexpired Permanent Resident card);
- Social Security Number (e.g. Social Security card or W-2 form displaying full nine digits);
- Residency – two proofs required and must display name and current Virginia residential street address (e.g. recent utility bills, mortgage statements, valid Virginia driver’s license); and
- Any name changes (e.g. marriage certificates or divorce decrees). Note: If the name on your identity document is different than your legal name, you must show proof of your name change. Multiple documents may be necessary if your name has changed more than once. DMV can issue certified copies of Virginia birth and marriage certificates for a fee.
There are a variety of acceptable documents; a complete list is available at dmvNOW.com/REALID. You may also use DMV’s interactive document guide. Existing DMV customers can fill out their application online before visiting the DMV to complete the transaction.
Photo and video available for distribution from the event can be found here.
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