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What You Should Know about Washington’s REAL ID Compliance

by Magaly Smith
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UPDATE 5/9/2025: The REAL ID Act took effect this week, on May 7, 2025. We have updated this blog to include the latest available information. 

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, permanent resident card or an enhanced drivers license, when traveling by air or entering certain federal buildings.

The Washington Department of Licensing has set up a website with videos and fact sheets to educate residents on what forms of ID are approved to allow you to fly or access secure government buildings.

Washington will continue to offer two types of driver licenses and IDs: Standard and Enhanced. Below 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

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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 and entering federal buildings. These IDs bear an American flag marking on them.

However, this option is more expensive than the standard licenses and IDs. 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

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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 the Standard Driver License or ID does not indicate a persons immigration status or residency, they can no longer be used as a valid form of ID for boarding domestic flights.

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.

 

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