POLITICS

Virginians Urged to Get REAL ID Before February

PUBLISHED Dec 15, 2025, 10:54 AM ET

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Virginians Urged to Get REAL ID Before February

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Charleston, W.Va. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is urging residents this week to obtain a REAL ID before the Transportation Security Administration begins extra identity checks and a $45 fee for noncompliant air travelers on Feb. 1, 2026. Officials said more than 63% of state residents already carry the REAL ID and that first-time applicants must present a birth certificate and any name-change documents in person and pay a $10 fee. DMV officials also highlighted online pre-upload options to expedite visits. Everett Frazier and Mike May spoke in the DMV release. Based on 6 articles and supporting research.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2012: REAL ID option becomes available for U.S. state-issued identification.
State reporting shows over 63% of West Virginians currently hold REAL IDs.
WV DMV issues press releases and outreach advising residents to obtain REAL ID.
DMV explains application steps: in-person presentation of birth certificate and name-change documents, $10 fee, and online pre-upload options.
Feb. 1, 2026: TSA enforcement of extra identity checks and $45 fee for noncompliant air travelers begins.

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Who Benefited

Residents who obtain REAL IDs, airlines and airport staff will benefit from faster screening and avoided $45 secondary-screening fees; federal agencies and the TSA will see clearer compliance with identification standards.

Who Impacted

Travelers without REAL IDs who choose not to carry passports or obtain compliant identification risk $45 secondary-screening fees, longer delays at airports, and potential difficulty entering federal facilities.

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