MEDIA ADVISORY

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Partners with DMV to Share REAL ID Information with Travelers

Important Travel Credential Will Be Essential When Identification Requirements Change October 1, 2020

WHAT: The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) have teamed up to share important information about an upcoming change in federal identification requirements that will impact travelers during the 2020 holiday season.

On Thursday, December 19, and Friday, December 20, a DMV representative will be at the airport talking with travelers about REAL ID. Beginning October 1, 2020, every U.S. resident who wants to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility using their state-issued driver’s license or ID as identification will need a REAL ID compliant version of the credential. Otherwise, they will have to present another form of federally accepted identification.

During the media availability below, members of the media will have the opportunity to speak with DMV Spokesperson Brandy Brubaker and ROA Spokesperson Brad Boettcher about REAL ID and the impact it will have on holiday travel next year at this time.

WHEN: Thursday, December 19, 2019, from 11am to 5pm and Friday, December 20, 2019 from 8am to 2pm.

WHERE: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, 5202 Aviation Drive, NW, Roanoke

WHY: Many Virginians rely on their state-issued driver’s license or ID as the identification they need to fly domestically. When federal identification requirements change October 1, 2020, they’ll want to have the correct identification they need to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility. In order to upgrade a driver’s license or identification card to a REAL ID, one must visit DMV in person with certain documents. As DMV becomes increasingly busy the closer it gets to October 1, 2020, interested Virginians are urged to obtain their REAL ID now. For more information, visit dmvNOW.com/REALID.

VISUALS: Media will be able to obtain interviews of spokespersons, as well as b-roll of travelers at the airport or interacting with DMV at the information table. Images of REAL ID compliant and non-compliant driver’s licenses are available at dmvNOW.com.

 RSVP: Members of the media must RSVP to Brad Boettcher at brad.boettcher@flyroa.com or 540-362-1999 X266.  

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