The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) is urging residents to apply for Real ID before the federal enforcement of the Real ID Act on Wednesday May 7, 2025.

To board an aircraft or get into some federal buildings, you will need to have a Real ID-compliant credential. The Real ID card contains a “gold star,” indicating that it meets Real ID Act requirements for nationwide federal use at airports and other designated federal facilities.

“With the federal Real ID deadline approaching on May 7th, we urge all citizens to take action now,” said West Virginia Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh, P.E. “Obtaining your Real ID ensures you’re prepared for domestic air travel and access to secure federal facilities. Don’t wait—beat the rush and take this simple step to protect your identity and stay travel-ready.”

In order to apply for Real ID, you will need proof of identity like a United States-issued birth certificate or U.S. Passport, proof of Social Security Number, and two proofs of physical residency in West Virginia, and proof of legal name change document(s) if your name has ever changed. For renewal applicants, any changes in address since the last card will require two proof of West Virginia residency documents with name and physical address. Any change of legal name requires proof of legal name change document(s) and one proof of Social Security number document. The full list of acceptable proof of identity as well as physical residency may be found here.

Driver License cannot be upgraded from a “Not for Federal Use” to a “For Federal Use” License online. If you wish to upgrade to a Real ID license, please make an appointment at your regional office at apps.wv.gov/Appt/DMV. Get your documents preapproved for a small fee online go.wv.gov/realidheadstart.