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