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DMV unveils new look licenses and IDs

Standard cards are horizontal; under 21 cards will remain vertical. | Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

The DMV unveiled a new design for driver’s licenses and state identification cards. As of Monday, April 24, newly issued cards will have the updated design.

The last major update to license and ID cards came in 2009, when the DMV introduced laser-engraved polycarbonate cards designed to enhance security. Those cards also made the switch from color photos to black and white, and added the smaller, second photo of the ID holder. Both of those features remain on the new cards.

The new design swaps the imagery of the exterior of the Virginia Capitol for an illustration of the rotunda dome inside the building. Two state emblems are also hidden in the design — Virginia’s official insect, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, and the American Dogwood, the official flower.

Bonus: Think you’re an emblem expert? Test your knowledge with our quiz.

RICtoday_EasternSwallowtail_OfficialInsect — Can you spot the butterfly on the new state IDs?
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Photo by Derek Ramsey

Other changes were made to increase security and prevent counterfeiting.

Don’t worry about rushing to get the new card, through — your old ID will remain valid until it expires. When you apply for a new license or ID, it will have the new design.

Reminder: Beginning May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID in order to board a domestic flight.

What do you think of the new design? Let us know your thoughts or send us your questions and we’ll try to get them answered.

Events

Wednesday, April 26

Richmond Restaurant Week | Wednesday, April 26-Sunday, April 30 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $35 | Eat at select local restaurants and a portion of your meal with benefit Feed More.

Thursday, April 27

“Agatha Raisin & The Quiche of Death” | Thursday, Apr. 27-Saturday, Apr. 29 | 7 p.m. | Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Rd., Richmond | $10-$12 | The Out of the Woods Theatre Company at Deep Run presents an obscure British comedy.

Friday, April 28

House Special: Grandma Cat & The Movie | Friday, Apr. 28 | 9 p.m. | Coalition Theater, 8 W. Broad St., Richmond | $5-$10 | Two local teams will perform at this long-form improv comedy night.

Saturday, April 29

PopUp RVA | Saturday, April 29-Saturday, Oct. 28 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | Shop from 50+ vendors, enjoy local live music, and grab a food truck treat at this pet-friendly market.
Ashland Train Day | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Ashland, 112 N. Railroad Ave., Richmond | Free | Bring the whole family to the 19th edition of this street festival.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Wellness

This metabolism supplement is endorsed by Halle Berry and backed by science

Metabolic Daily is formulated with Akkermansia muciniphila (only available at Pendulum) and other next generation strains. | Photo by Sean Dagen

Our metabolism slows as we age — so who wouldn’t want to optimize theirs (and maybe feel 22 again)?

Meet Metabolic Daily, a multi-strain probiotic designed to kick-start your metabolism, maintain blood sugar levels, support a healthy weight, and reduce sugar cravings and energy slumps. Think: Balanced, sustained energy throughout the day. (Actress Halle Berry digs it so much she became the CCO.)

Use code 6AMCITY for 20% off your first month of any membership.*

Get 20% off

News Notes

Civic

City Council passed the ordinance to allocate funds to purchase Mayo Island at its Monday meeting. It’ll now move forward with turning the area into a public green space of some kind — check out your ideas for the project.
One of three proposed zoning changes will now be in effect after City Council adopted the ordinance to remove parking minimums citywide. The move is designed to make it easier for commercial and residential developers to build.

Development

RVA Diamond Partners and the city have reached a final agreement for the upcoming Diamond District. The earliest phase of construction could start early next year. However, officials say its unlikely the new ballpark will be complete by Opening Day 2025, which is MLB’s deadline. (Richmond BizSense)

Announced

Main Street Station announced that it will host free outdoor concerts each Thursday in May. Shows will start at 5:30 p.m. The series kicks off on May 4 with Legacy Band.

Read

Independent Bookstore Day is this Saturday, April 29. Several local shops including Fountain, The Book Bar, Shelf Life, and bbgb are participating in a passport activity. Visit at least five of the eight stores to receive a prize.

Outdoors

Shop from thousands of plants at Maymont’s Herbs Galore event this Saturday, April 29 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The day also features food trucks, live music, mansion mini tours, and free admission to The Robins Nature Center. General admission is $10; members and Museums for All participants get in free.
Want to help protect the James? Become a RiverRat with the James River Association. Volunteers patrol the river and document potential pollution sources. Sign up for the training on Saturday, June 3.

Show

Comedian Ilana Glazer will perform at the Dominion Energy Center’s Carpenter Theatre on Thursday, June 8. Known for the television series “Broad City,” Glazer is kicking off her summer tour in the River City. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, April 27 at 10 a.m.

Opening

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Children’s Tower provides convenient access to the best pediatric care when moments matter most. Think: free valet parking at the Children’s ER, a helipad on the roof, and more.*

Travel

Itching to take a vacation? We’re always in support of time off + self care — so we’ve rounded up five drool-worthy vacation spots to help you plan. This romantic chateau in Nova Scotia is one of our favorites on the list. See the rest.

Kids

Two words: free bowling. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free to connect with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling everyday this summer. Plus, grab a Family Pass + up to four adults can join in on the fun.

Announced

Congratulations Nora R., the winner of our product survey! We hope you enjoy your $500 cash prize, and we thank you for providing your feedback. Responses from this survey are helping us improve our newsletter.

Answered

📚 And the winner is…

Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest

A graphic that says 2023 Poetry Contest Winner.

The votes are in. | Graphic by 6AM City

We’re pleased to announce that “Sweetness of Spring” by Pam G. is the winner of our 2023 poetry contest.

This poem received the most votes from our audience. A big round of applause to our other finalists and everyone who participated in our contest — it was a true joy for the RICtoday Editorial team to read what you came up with.

Now, we’re handing it over to Pam to dazzle us with their creation.

“Sweetness of Spring”

Blooming dogwoods to enjoy
See the pretty pink flower
Hear a symphony of sounds
Happy chicks and baby laughs
Sunny walks make special treats
The pleasant trickle of rain
Enjoy the simple of Spring
Welcoming love fresh to be

Read all our finalists’ poems

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

Independent Bookstore Day sounds like the perfect excuse for me to check out the new Book People location on Ridgefield Parkway. It opened earlier this month.

Missed our last newsletter? We highlighted some must-try mimosa spots on our brunch guide.

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