Virginia DMV Encourages Online Services During Thanksgiving Closure and REAL ID Prep

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding residents to take advantage of online services. All full-service customer service centers will be closed for Thanksgiving from Thursday, November 28, through Saturday, November 30. Normal operations will resume on Monday, December 2.

During the closure, more than 50 DMV services, including vehicle registration renewals, address updates, and REAL ID applications, will remain available online at dmv.virginia.gov.

REAL ID: A Must for Air Travel by May 2025

Thanksgiving travel serves as a timely reminder for Virginians to prepare for upcoming air travel identification requirements changes. Starting May 7, 2025, domestic travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID to board flights within the United States.

“If you travel by air, even occasionally, now is the time to upgrade your license to a REAL ID,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “We don’t want anyone to miss special moments like family holidays because their ID isn’t ready for future travel requirements.”

REAL ID regulations also extend to accessing military bases and secure federal facilities, with some installations requiring REAL ID for entry.

How to Apply for a REAL ID

Applying for a REAL ID is a straightforward process:

1. Start Online: Complete your application at dmv.virginia.gov/REALID.
2. Visit a DMV Office: Bring the required documents, including:
   • A state-issued birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.
   • A Social Security card or Social Security number.
   • Two proofs of Virginia residency, such as utility bills or bank statements.

The upgrade costs a one-time fee of $10 in addition to the standard license or ID cost.

Plan Ahead This Holiday Season

Whether traveling this Thanksgiving or preparing for future trips, now is the perfect time to upgrade to REAL ID. Apply online and complete your application at a DMV location before the holiday closures to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your travel plans go smoothly.

For more information and to get started, visit dmv.virginia.gov.