Last Updated: May 1, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 30, 2025
Media Contact: Tristen Franklin, tristen.franklin@vdh.virginia.gov
The Virginia Office of Vital Records Reminds Virginians of May 7 REAL ID Federal Enforcement Deadline
RICHMOND, Va. – With the federal government preparing to enforce REAL ID, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Vital Records encourages Virginians to review their birth certificate or request a certified copy before applying for a REAL ID. Though optional, a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another federally approved form of ID, will be required to board a domestic flight, enter a secure facility or military base beginning May 7, 2025.
To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must bring specific documentation—such as a certified birth certificate. To help with this process, the VDH Office of Vital Records has partnered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to assist individuals who need a certified replacement. For a small fee, applicants can request a copy of their Virginia birth, marriage, or divorce certificate at the time of their DMV visit. For additional information, visit dmv.virginia.gov/records/vital.
“We help a lot of customers who never had a need to correct their birth certificate or never knew their birth certificate recorded their name differently than the name they have used their whole life,” said VDH State Registrar Seth Austin. “We encourage customers to get a copy of their birth certificate now in order to avoid possible delays in obtaining their REAL ID.”
To get a REAL ID in Virginia, begin your application online, bring the required documents to a DMV service center, and save time by making an appointment. Visit dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/real-id for the full list of required documents and to get started.
For information on obtaining Virginia vital record documents, visit the VDH Office of Vital Records or call the Vital Records Call Center at 804-662-6200.
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