REAL ID

The enhanced driver license (EDL) and enhanced ID card (EID) are compliant with the REAL ID Act. For more information see: Washington State has met all requirements to comply with REAL ID Act (wordpress.com)

What is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was created in 2005 to help reduce fraud by improving ID documents. Washington state is in compliance with all requirements of the REAL ID Act, which takes effect October 1, 2020 in every state.

Does an Enhanced ID/Enhanced Driver License qualify as REAL ID compliant?

Yes. An Enhanced ID (EID) or an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is Washington state's REAL ID compliant document and is available through the Department of Licensing.

Do I need to get an Enhanced ID or Enhanced Driver License?

Not necessarily. You may already be prepared. There are several options for REAL ID compliant documents, such as a passport (either a U.S. passport or a foreign-issued passport), a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or U.S. military ID. People have many reasons for their choice of ID, and you have choices.

Does my child need to be REAL ID compliant?

No. There is no REAL ID requirement for anyone under 18. Current ID laws still apply.
What documents do I need to get an Enhanced ID or Enhanced Driver License?

  • Proof of United States citizenship
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of Social Security
  • Proof of Washington State residence
  • If applicable, proof of name change

Will DOL still offer standard driver licenses and ID cards?

Yes. We'll continue to offer standard driver licenses and ID cards that can be used to drive or for identification, respectively. They don't indicate a person's residency or legal status. However, beginning in October 2020, they'll no longer be accepted as valid forms for ID for boarding domestic flights or entering military bases.

As of July 1, 2018, standard driver licenses and ID cards feature the marking "Federal limits apply," indicating they'll not be accepted for domestic air travel or entrance to certain federal facilities. This marking doesn't indicate citizenship or immigration status.

TSA will accept a standard Washington state driver license or ID card to board a commercial plane until REAL ID takes effect on October 1, 2020. In the meantime, you may want to consider getting an EDL or EID if you don't have a valid passport, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or U.S. military ID. To avoid lines and delays as October 2020 approaches, we recommend ensuring you're prepared as soon as possible.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a standard driver license or ID card if you meet proof of identity and Washington state residence requirements for a driver license.

For air travel, you'll need a REAL ID compliant document such as a passport, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), U.S. military ID, or EDL/EID. Other modes of travel, such as driving across state lines by car, bus, or taking a train, don't require a REAL ID compliant document.

How much does an Enhanced ID or Enhanced Driver License cost?

There is a $4-24 fee to upgrade your standard Washington driver license to an EDL/EID ($4 a year for the time remaining on your license). An EDL is good for 6 years.

Where do I go to get an Enhanced ID or Enhanced Driver License?

All driver licensing offices issue EDL and EID cards. A list of locations may be found on our office locations map.

You can also visit the ID2020WA.com for more information.

Do I need a REAL ID compliant form of identification anywhere else?

A REAL ID compliant form of identification is required only for domestic air travel or entering some federal facilities, such as an airport or military base. Starting October 1, 2020, every traveler from every state will need to present a REAL ID compliant form of identification for domestic air travel.

Find out more

Washington Healthcare Finder
Good To Go!
Access Washington – official state government website