Washington State Licenses: Valid For Air Travel?

As of May 2023, Washington state residents are required to have an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or another acceptable form of identification to fly. 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. While the Act was supposed to come into effect in 2020, it was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, to pandemic-related lags at motor vehicle branches. Now, Washington residents have until May 7, 2025, to obtain a Real ID-compliant form of identification, such as a Washington EDL, a green card, or a federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID.

Washington state licenses are not REAL ID-compliant

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It established new minimum requirements for state-issued forms of identification, namely driver's licenses and ID cards. The law prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting forms of identification that do not comply with the standards set forth by the legislation.

Washington state residents have a few options if they need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. They can apply for a Washington Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID card, which are REAL ID-compliant. These IDs can be used for air travel within the United States and can also be used to cross the borders of Canada and Mexico by land or sea. To apply for an EDL or EID, Washington residents will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, a valid Social Security number, and proof of Washington state residency. The cost of an EDL or EID is $78.

If Washington residents do not want or need an EDL or EID, they can use other forms of federally acceptable ID for domestic air travel, including:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Homeland Security-issued trusted traveler card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Border crossing card
• Airline or airport ID issued under a TSA-approved security plan
• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 Personal Identity Verification card

It's important to note that the deadline for REAL ID enforcement has been extended to May 7, 2025, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until then, a standard Washington state driver's license or ID card can still be used for domestic air travel.

REAL ID-compliant identification is required to fly from October 2020

From October 1, 2020, a standard Washington state driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of identification for air travel. 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. Federal agencies, including the TSA, are prohibited from accepting state-issued IDs that do not meet these standards.

Washington residents have a few options to ensure they have the correct identification to fly. They can apply for an enhanced driver's license, which is REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel and to cross the borders of Canada and Mexico by land or sea. To obtain an enhanced license, individuals must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, identity, a valid Social Security number, Washington residency, and any legal name changes. There is a fee for the enhanced license, which varies depending on when it is issued.

If Washington residents do not wish to obtain an enhanced driver's license, there are other forms of federally accepted ID that can be used for air travel. These include:

• U.S. or foreign passport
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential
• Border crossing card
• Permanent resident card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

It is important to note that the REAL ID Act has been delayed several times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current deadline for enforcement is May 7, 2025. Washington residents are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure they have the correct identification to avoid any issues with air travel.

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005

The REAL ID Act set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. It established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. The Act covers three official purposes: 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 driver's licenses and identification cards. It also inhibits the ability of terrorists and other individuals to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.

In compliance with the Act, Washington State residents were given until October 2020 to determine their preferred type of identity document for travelling on commercial flights within the United States or accessing certain federal facilities. After this date, federal requirements regarding acceptable forms of state-issued identification came into force. Washington State residents flying domestically or accessing certain federal facilities were then required to present an enhanced ID or other acceptable forms of federal identification.

The REAL ID Act was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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 also prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards that did not meet these minimum standards.

The REAL ID Act was originally supposed to go into effect in October 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for compliance was pushed back to October 2021. The pandemic disrupted many people's travel plans and made it challenging for residents to obtain the necessary identification documents. As the pandemic continued to impact communities, the deadline was further delayed to May 2023 and then again to May 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that these extensions are intended to give states more time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. The Department also aims to use this time to implement innovations and improve the efficiency and accessibility of the process.

It is important to note that REAL IDs are not mandatory, and individuals can still use their passports as identification for domestic flights. However, a standard driver's license will no longer be sufficient for air travel within the United States after the REAL ID deadline passes.

Washington residents can obtain an enhanced driver's license or ID

The REAL ID Act was supposed to take effect in 2020, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new deadline for Washington residents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant form of identification is May 7, 2025. After this date, travelers 18 years and older will need a REAL ID-compliant ID to board a commercial flight within the United States.

Washington's enhanced driver's licenses and IDs are marked with an American flag, a pink banner at the top, or the words "Enhanced Driver's License" on the banner. To apply for an enhanced driver's license or ID, Washington residents will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, identity, a valid Social Security number, Washington residency, and any legal name changes.

The enhanced driver's license or ID is not required for Washington residents who have a passport or U.S. passport card, as these can also be used for domestic air travel. Additionally, standard driver's licenses and other IDs will still be accepted for rail and car travel.

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