What is the REAL ID deadline in Washington? Here are state requirements, current options

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, and 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 only attainable with certain federally-approved documents.

The deadline for compliance for the new identification standard and start of enforcement is May 7, 2025, according to current legislation.

What are the REAL ID requirements in Washington state?

WA REAL ID requirements

In Washington, not everyone needs a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, since 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. You can check if your identification is compliant using Washington state’s Are You Ready? checker.

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.

REAL ID compliance in WA

So, how do you get your updated identification in Washington state?

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. There are 52 Department of Licensing offices across the state that you can use. 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. You can use this checklist to ensure you have all the documents necessary for upgraded identification.

It can take up to three weeks to receive your EDL/EID in the mail, and this can change depending on the applicant pool. As demand is expected to increase as the deadline nears, it’s recommended to get your identification updated as soon as possible.

Do you have questions about life and law in Washington state? Let us know here:

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 11:01 AM with the headline "What is the REAL ID deadline in Washington? Here are state requirements, current options."