There are less than two months until REAL ID enforcement is set to begin across the U.S., and Washington is one of just five states with alternative options for some scenarios. The Department of Homeland Security keeps a countdown on its REAL ID page, tracking the deadline down to the second.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 in an attempt to strengthen national security through increased identification standards. It was originally set to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed numerous times. The act requires additional proof of identification for travel by air and entrance to certain federal facilities. In these cases, after it goes into effect, most standard licenses or IDs won’t be accepted. REAL ID Act-compliant IDs, like a passport or enhanced ID, are attainable only with certain federally approved documents.
The deadline for compliance with the new identification standard and start of enforcement is May 7, according to current legislation.
What are the REAL ID requirements in Washington?
In Washington, not everyone needs a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, because it applies to travelers 18 and older who are flying, or those accessing certain federal facilities.
The digital communications manager at the state’s Department of Licensing, Christine Anthony, previously told McClatchy that travelers from Washington can choose between a standard license, an enhanced license or alternative forms of ID. Alternative forms of ID include a passport, permanent resident card, federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID and military ID.
Your regular Washington license will work when driving in the state and within the country, as well as when you take a train or bus.
But you’ll soon need the updated identification or other forms of accepted identification to fly domestically and when visiting certain federal agencies, military bases and nuclear plants.
How to get REAL ID
How do you get your updated identification in Washington? You might already be REAL ID-compliant if you have:
- Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identification Card
- U.S. Military ID
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card, or foreign passport
- Permanent Resident Card
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
When getting your updated ID for the first time, you’ll need to go in person to one of the 52 Department of Licensing offices across the state. After you get your updated ID, you can renew it online. You’ll need your Social Security number, one way to prove your identity and two ways to prove your residence.
It can take up to three weeks to receive your EDL/EID in the mail; this can change depending on the applicant pool. Demand is expected to increase as the deadline nears.
