If you live in Washington state and travel by air, you may need to take action before the 2025 deadline for REAL ID enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set May 7, 2025, as the date when travellers must present a REAL ID-compliant identification or an alternative form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities.
Here’s what you need to know about REAL ID in Washington state and how to prepare before the deadline arrives.
What Is REAL ID and Why Does It Matter?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to strengthen security measures for state-issued identification. It establishes minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards, ensuring they meet federal requirements.
When enforcement begins in May 2025, travellers will no longer be able to use a standard Washington state driver’s license or ID to fly domestically unless it is REAL ID-compliant. Instead, they will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or another TSA-approved identification.
How to Check If Your Washington State ID Is REAL ID-Compliant
In Washington state, the standard driver’s license does not meet REAL ID requirements. However, the state offers an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), which is fully REAL ID-compliant and accepted for domestic air travel.
How to Identify a REAL ID-Compliant Card:
- Standard Washington driver’s licenses (without a gold star) are not REAL ID-compliant.
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) have a U.S. flag icon and are REAL ID-compliant.
What Are Your Options Before the Deadline?
If your current Washington ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you have a few options:
1. Apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is available to U.S. citizens and meets federal identification requirements. It allows for domestic flights and can also be used to cross land borders into Canada and Mexico.
How to Get an EDL:
- Visit a Washington DOL office in person.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or passport).
- Show proof of residency in Washington state.
- Pass a vision test and have your photo taken.
- Pay the required fee ($24 per year as of 2024).
2. Use a U.S. Passport or Passport Card
If you already have a U.S. passport or passport card, you can use it as an alternative to a REAL ID for domestic travel and federal facility entry.
3. Get a Trusted Traveler Program Card
Programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Nexus issue secure ID cards that meet REAL ID requirements. These options are ideal for frequent travellers.
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade Your ID by 2025?
If you show up at the airport on or after May 7, 2025, with a standard Washington driver’s license, TSA will not allow you to board a domestic flight unless you have another federally approved form of identification.
Additionally, you may face challenges accessing certain federal facilities and military bases without a REAL ID or an equivalent federal ID.
Where to Apply for a REAL ID-Compliant License in Washington
To upgrade to an Enhanced Driver’s License, you must visit a Washington Department of Licensing office in person.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Do
- Check if your current ID is REAL ID-compliant (look for an EDL with a U.S. flag icon).
- If not, upgrade to an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), use a passport, or get a Trusted Traveler card.
- Make an appointment with the Washington DOL to avoid last-minute delays.
- Don’t wait until the last minute—beat the rush before May 7, 2025!
Final Reminder: Plan Ahead and Avoid Travel Disruptions
With the REAL ID deadline approaching, Washington residents should take steps now to ensure they have the right identification for air travel and federal access. Avoid long wait times and last-minute issues by securing your REAL ID-compliant ID well before May 2025.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
