Residents holding a U.S. Virgin Islands non-REAL ID driver’s license will have to wait a little longer for an upgrade. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced that it will delay issuing new REAL ID cards until the Transportation Security Administration adds them to its database in April.
The delay comes ahead of the May 7 federal deadline requiring REAL ID-compliant identification for air travel. TSA officials advised the BMV that the updated USVI REAL ID template, security features, and design must first be integrated into the agency’s system to ensure smooth verification at airport checkpoints, according to the press release.
BMV Director Barbara Jackson-McIntosh said the agency decided to hold off on issuing the new cards to prevent potential travel disruptions. “If you were issued a non-REAL ID, you will automatically be reissued a REAL ID and will be notified to pick it up,” she said. “We apologize for any inconvenience, but we wanted to ensure TSA employees can properly verify the updated card design to avoid unnecessary scrutiny or travel delays.”
Individuals with other legal travel documents, such as a U.S. passport, green card, or passport card, can continue to use those for travel. The delay does not affect residents with a valid REAL ID, as their current cards remain acceptable for travel and driving, the press release stated.
For more information or assistance, residents can visit the BMV website, contact the agency through its online portal, or call the offices on St. Croix at 340-713-4268, St. Thomas at 340-774-4268 or St. John at 340-776-6262.
