CHARLESTON, WV — Is there a gold star on your West Virginia driver’s license? If not, you still have time to obtain your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license with the star on it. But it’s preferable to get it sooner rather than later.
Individuals wishing to board an airplane for a domestic flight will soon require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. If their driver’s license does not meet REAL ID requirements, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. The REAL ID driver’s license bears a small star to indicate that it meets federal regulations establishing minimum security standards.
REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025, and the countdown begins!
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” states John C. Allen, TSA’s Federal Security Director for West Virginia. “The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
West Virginia residents can choose to upgrade to a REAL ID or keep their older standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential without the star will not allow you to board a domestic flight or gain access to secure federal facilities, such as military bases and some federal offices.
To obtain a REAL ID compliant license, individuals must visit their local West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and bring certain documents proving U.S. citizenship and West Virginia residency. They can also go online to the DMV REAL ID HeadStart page and upload documents to expedite the licensing process. One proof of identity (passport or birth certificate from the United States), proof of legal presence for non-US citizens, two proofs of West Virginia residency, your social security card (if you have one), and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state are all required.
Transportation Security Administration officers who staff airport ticket document checking stations will be checking for a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 7, 2025, due to a federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) requiring a REAL ID for federal identification purposes. The TSA may begin phasing in implementation on May 7, 2025; if so, the details will be posted on its website.
Travelers will see signs at airports across the country reminding them that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport, will be required for air travel beginning May 7, 2025.
