Virginians can start REAL ID anywhere

Start your transaction anywhere, complete it at DMV. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ “start anywhere” capabilities allow Virginians to begin their transactions for REAL ID, standard driver’s license or ID card renewal, and name change online up to 30 days prior to their in-person visit. So far, more than 117,000 drivers license transactions have been started online and completed at a DMV.

Start anywhere transactions allow you to begin your transaction by entering information online – from wherever you are. From the comfort of your own home to sitting in your car parked in a parking lot, starting your transaction online saves you time, helps you to identify the documents to bring with you to DMV, and can help ensure the accuracy of your information. The services currently available to start online are REAL ID (for existing Virginia card holders), standard driver’s license and ID card renewals, and name change.

“The ability to start your DMV service from anywhere provides great flexibility and convenience,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford. “We know some Virginians may want to get their REAL ID or need their license renewed, and starting online streamlines the process. It allows you to get most of the legwork done at home so you don’t have to worry about it at DMV.”

When you begin online, you will be prompted to enter your personal information, such as date of birth and your driver’s license or social security number, to start your application. Once the application is completed, DMV will save it in the system until your necessary, in-person visit. The next step is coming to DMV to provide physical documentation of your identity to confirm the information you’ve provided online in one simple step.

We invite you to begin your applications online at dmvNOW.com/SkipTheTrip. For an even faster visit, streamline the application process for a REAL ID or name change by starting online and scheduling an appointment at dmvNOW.com/appt.