Can You Use A Washington Driver's License For Id?

As of May 2025, all adult travelers flying within the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board their flight. This was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. A standard Washington state driver's license will not be considered a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. However, Washington offers an enhanced driver's license that is REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel.

Washington drivers need a REAL ID-compliant license to fly

As of May 7, 2025, Washington drivers will need a REAL ID-compliant license to fly within the US. This is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued IDs that do not meet these standards.

Washington residents have a couple of options when it comes to REAL ID-compliant identification. One option is to obtain an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), which is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and citizenship. The EDL/EID meets federal requirements under REAL ID and can be used for re-entry into the US at land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. To obtain an EDL or EID, individuals must be US citizens and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency.

Another option for Washington residents is to use a US passport or passport card for domestic or international flights. Other REAL ID-compliant forms of identification accepted by the TSA include DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST), a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), and a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

It's important to note that Washington's EDL/EID does not have a star marking, unlike many other states' REAL ID-compliant cards. Instead, the EDL/EID is marked with a US flag. For domestic air travel, the EDL/EID and REAL ID card are equally acceptable.

For those who do not plan to fly domestically or already have acceptable forms of identification, a standard driver's license or ID card will still be valid for driving and identification within Washington state. However, these standard IDs will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It was enacted in response to a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, which advised the Federal Government to "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards". The Act established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of licenses, and it prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant forms of identification for certain official purposes. These official purposes include accessing certain federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

The REAL ID Act is a vital component of national security, aiming to improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents while preventing the use of fraudulent identification. The Act's enforcement deadline has been extended several times, but as of May 7, 2025, it will be mandatory for anyone 18 years or older to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification when flying domestically or visiting certain federal facilities. This includes US passports, enhanced driver licenses, and enhanced identification cards, among others.

Washington state residents have been specifically advised to obtain a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for air travel. The Washington Department of Licensing offers an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or an Enhanced Identification Card (EID) as a REAL ID-compliant option. These forms of identification are marked with the words "Enhanced Driver License" or bear a US flag marking. Washington residents are encouraged to review their identity document options and choose the one that best suits their needs.

It is important to note that standard driver licenses and ID cards that do not comply with REAL ID standards will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification for boarding domestic flights. However, they will still be valid for driving and identification purposes within the state of Washington.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued IDs

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards that do not meet these minimum standards for certain official purposes. These purposes include:

• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Entering nuclear power plants

The REAL ID Act sets out the following standards for state-issued IDs:

• The person applying for an ID must provide documentation of their full name, date of birth, and residential address.
• The applicant must provide a Social Security number or documentation that they are not eligible for one.
• The applicant must provide documentation that they are a U.S. national or a foreign national legally present in the U.S.
• The state must capture a photograph of the applicant, store digital images of the documents presented, and verify the documents directly with the issuing authorities. For example, the Social Security number must be verified with the Social Security Administration, and the legal presence of foreign nationals must be verified with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).
• The state must confirm that any existing ID document of the applicant issued by another state is terminated.
• The state must limit the validity of IDs to eight years.
• The state must implement background checks and fraud prevention programs for employees issuing IDs.
• The state must maintain an electronic database of IDs issued, including driver histories and violations, and provide access to it to all other states.
• The ID issued must display the person's full name, date of birth, gender, photograph, address, signature, document number, security features, and machine-readable technology.

The REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility. It also does not prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents, such as a U.S. passport or passport card.

Washington's enhanced driver's license is REAL ID-compliant

Washington residents have a few options when it comes to choosing an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Since the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards, residents have had to consider whether their ID is REAL ID-compliant. From May 7, 2025, all travelers must use a REAL ID-compliant document when flying within the US.

Washington's enhanced driver's license (EDL) is REAL ID-compliant and can be used as a form of identification for domestic air travel. The EDL is marked with the words "Enhanced Driver License" at the top and features a US flag instead of a star. To obtain an EDL, Washington residents must provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington State residency.

The enhanced identification card (EID) is another REAL ID-compliant option offered by Washington State. The EID is not a driver's license but serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. The EID has the same enhanced security features as the EDL and meets the federal requirements under REAL ID.

In addition to the EDL and EID, other acceptable forms of REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic air travel include a U.S. or foreign passport, a DHS trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), a permanent resident card, and a federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID, among others.

It's important to note that Washington's standard driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel from May 7, 2025. Residents who do not plan to fly domestically or already have acceptable forms of identification may not need to obtain an EDL or EID.

Other forms of ID are also accepted

As of May 7, 2025, all adult travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board a domestic commercial flight. This was established by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

If you are a Washington resident, your driver's license must have the words “Enhanced Driver License” across the top to be considered REAL ID-compliant.

However, other forms of ID are also accepted. These include:

• U.S. or foreign passports
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

It's important to note that some forms of ID, such as a weapon permit, library card, school or university ID, workplace ID, or expired ID, are not accepted by the TSA.

Additionally, if you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer will ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity. If your identity is verified, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but will be subject to additional screening.

Frequently asked questions