VIRGINIA (DC News Now) -- Planning on traveling soon? If so, you will want to ensure you have a REAL ID. Starting May 7, anyone 18 or older flying within the United States will need a REAL-ID-compliant driver's license or another federally approved form of identification, like a passport, to boa rd their flight. The identification will also be required to enter a secure federal facility or military base. So, how do you know if your driver's license is REAL-ID compliant? In Virginia, you'll see if it has a small start on it. This indicates that it meets federal regulations. A Virginia REAL ID has a star in the corner (Courtesy: Transportation Security Administration) Airline passengers who fail to present a state-issued REAL ID credential or other forms of acceptable identification (listed here) will have to undergo additional screening, causing delays. REAL ID, which came to fruition after Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in light of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is a federal government effort to improve the reliability of driver's licenses and Identification cards. According to the Transportation Security Administration, it is intended to prevent terrorists from evading detection using fraudulent IDs. Krispy Kreme offers sweet Tax Day deal: How to get 2 dozen doughnuts for cheap How do you get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card in Virginia? Virginians planning to fly domestically who don't have a REAL-ID-compliant card will need to visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website to start the application process. After that, residents must bring certain documents to a nearby DMV Customer Service Center to provide Virginia residency and U.S. citizenship. Required documents include: One proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate) Proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens Two proofs of Virginia residency Social Security card (if you’ve been issued one) A current driver’s license (if you are applying to exchange one issued by another state) For more information on how to get a REAL-ID in Virginia, click here. ...read more read less