State assemblymember Nancy Muñoz, R-Union, and Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Ky., discuss some citizens delaying and opting out of getting the REAL ID as the deadline approaches. 

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........

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