RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles says it has issued more than one million REAL ID-compliant credentials.

"We recognize this significant milestone and continue to prepare for the deadline of Oct. 1, 2020, enhancing service to meet growing demand," said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. "The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that Virginians are able to conduct their business, live their lives and keep Virginia moving."

According to a release, Virginians who want to use a state-issued driver's license or other identification card to board a domestic flight will need to have a REAL-ID compliant credential beginning on Oct. 1.

These IDs have a small star in the upper-right corner.

Such an ID is not required, as other forms of identification can be used including a U.S. passport, a passport card and some military IDs.

However, REAL ID credentials can also be used to enter secure federal facilities and military bases, though such facilities can set their own entry requirements. Visitors are encouraged to check the identification requirements before going to such a facility.

Virginia began issuing the REAL ID-compliant credentials in October 2018, two years ahead of the federal enforcement deadline.

People who still need to get a compliant credential are urged to get one as soon as possible, as the DMV is expecting a rush of people trying to do so as the deadline approaches.

Applications must be made in person and will cost a one-time $10 REAL ID surcharge in addition to the standard renewal or replacement fees.

The DMV will need documents that show identity and legal presence such as a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate, a Social Security number on a Social Security card or on a W-2 form that displays all nine digits, proof of residency in Virginia such as recent utility bills or a valid Virginia driver's license, and proof of any name changes such as a marriage certificate. A full list of acceptable documents can be found here.

REAL ID is optional, which means those who choose not to get one can continue to use their current identification card, but when they renew that credential, it will display "Federal Limits Apply" in the upper-right corner.

People with that on their ID will need to use a different federally-approved form of identification to board a domestic flight after October this year.