Overview: REAL ID

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The Act:

established minimum security standards for driver licenses and ID cards,
prohibits Federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards.

Source: dhs.gov/real-id

Changes effective July 1, 2018

Image of driver licenses showing how to choose the type of ID that works best for you.

You may have heard of REAL ID

It’s a U.S. law established in 2005, requiring all states to comply with new identification standards for air travel and entrance to some federal facilities like military bases.

Go to ID2020WA.com to find out if you’re ready for October 2020.

Read our recent Press Release: Department of Licensing to begin new marking on all standard-issue driver licenses and ID cards starting July 1 to help bring state into compliance with REAL ID Act

ID2020 campaign

We have created the ID2020 campaign to educate Washington residents about the REAL ID Act requirements and options. Visit ID2020WA.com for videos, resources, and an interactive "Are you ready?" quiz.

Changes coming

Starting this year, there are major changes to standard driver licenses and ID cards.

Federal marking

Starting July 1, 2018, all standard cards will be marked with "Federal Limits Apply" to indicate it isn't valid for federal identification purposes. You may continue to use your standard license for boarding airplanes and accessing secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020.

Learn more about steps we're taking to comply with the REAL ID act.

New identification card with federal marking and identification number

New driver license with federal marking and driver license number

What you need to know about Real ID in Washington State

Rulemaking

Rule and status	Public hearing or comments
Chapter 308-104 WAC: Drivers' Licenses Current rule Adopted rule Concise Explanatory Statement Rule-Making Order	Public hearing held May 8, 2018 May 8, 2018 public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 3 minutes) Public hearing held May 9, 2018 May 9, 2018 public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 7 minutes) Public hearing held May 10, 2018 May 10, 2018 public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 3 minutes) Public hearing held May 11, 2018 May 11, 2018 public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 3 minutes) Public hearing held May 22, 2018 May 22, 2018 public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 7 minutes) Public hearing held May 23, 2018 May 23, 2018 public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 13 minutes)

Rule and status

Public hearing or comments

Chapter 308-104 WAC: Drivers' Licenses

Public hearing held May 8, 2018