[Resource links below in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese]
UPDATE 12/5/2022: On December 5, 2022 the Department of Homeland Security announced they are delaying the REAL ID Act going into effect until May 7, 2025.
ACTUALIZACIÓN 012/5/2022: El 5 de diciembre de 2022, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional anunció que retrasará la entrada en vigor de la Ley REAL ID hasta el 7 de mayo de 2025.
As of July 1, 2018 the Washington Department of Licensing has begun issuing driver licenses and IDs that comply with federal REAL ID Act requirements. For now, the only change Washington residents will notice is that newly issued Standard Driver Licenses and IDs will have the marking “Federal Limits Apply.” This new marking will have no impact until May of 2025.
Beginning on May 7, 2025 Washington residents with Standard Driver Licenses and IDs will need to present a federally approved form of ID, such as a passport or permanent resident card, when traveling by air or entering certain federal buildings.
The Washington Department of Licensing has issued their ID2023 Campaign with videos and fact sheets to educate residents on the upcoming changes. Washington will continue to offer two types of driver licenses and IDs – Standard and Enhanced. Here are the differences between the two and what you should know when deciding which option is right for you.
Enhanced Driver License and Identification Card
Only U.S. Citizens are eligible to obtain an Enhanced Driver License or ID. This card is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act and can be used for all domestic travel, travel to Canada, and entering federal buildings. However, this option is more expensive than the standard licenses and IDs. The Enhanced Driver License costs $78, while the Standard Driver License costs only $54. If you already have a valid passport or other federally approved ID, you can save money by using these other forms of ID for air travel and entry to federal buildings.
Standard Driver License and Identification Card
Any Washington resident can obtain a Standard Driver License or ID, so long as they can prove their identity and residence. Standard license and IDs will now be marked with “Federal Limits Apply” to indicate they are not REAL ID compliant. Because all non-citizens must obtain the Standard Driver License or ID, these cards will not indicate immigration status. OneAmerica encourages U.S. citizen allies to opt for the Standard Driver License and IDs in solidarity with those who don’t qualify for REAL ID compliant forms of identification. When more Washington residents use the Standard Driver Licenses and IDs, it becomes harder for law enforcement to profile those unable to obtain the Enhanced Driver License and ID. It is important now more than ever that we stand in solidarity with our undocumented neighbors to help make Washington safe for all communities.
Additional Resources
- WA REAL ID 2023 Website with Resources – ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL, TIẾNG VIỆT, 한국어, 中文
- Washington residents guide to REALID 2023
- Guía para residentes de Washington sobre REAL ID