Beginning May 7, standard state-issued ID cards and driver’s licenses will no longer be sufficient for passing through airport security checkpoints in the United States. On that date, the federal REAL ID requirement goes into effect, meaning travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state ID, or another form of TSA-approved identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights.
With the deadline approaching, Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) offices have experienced a surge in applications for enhanced driver’s licenses and ID cards that meet federal REAL ID standards. In January alone, the number of applications for enhanced licenses nearly tripled compared to the same period in 2024, according to the department. At Queen Anne’s DOL office, where operating hours begin at 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. depending on the day, lines have been forming outside as early as 8 a.m. for walk-in appointments.
To raise awareness about the deadline, the DOL has launched an informational campaign that includes videos and signage encouraging residents to prepare. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, signs will be displayed throughout the terminal, and videos will play on screens near security checkpoints, airport spokesperson Perry Cooper confirmed.
What Is the REAL ID Act?
The REAL ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The law established national security standards for issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards to enhance their reliability and prevent the use of fraudulent documents. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the goal is to improve the accuracy of state-issued IDs and make it more difficult for criminals and potential security threats to evade detection.
While the REAL ID requirement was originally set to take effect years ago, its implementation has been delayed multiple times. The initial deadline was in 2008.
What Forms of Identification Are REAL ID-Compliant?
Starting May 7, all travelers aged 18 and older will need one of the following REAL ID-compliant documents to board domestic flights:
- A REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign passport
- Border crossing card
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
- Other TSA-approved identification
REAL ID-compliant identification will also be required to access certain federal buildings, military installations, and nuclear power plants.
How Do REAL ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses Differ?
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, applicants must provide proof of identity, residency, and lawful status.
Washington state’s enhanced driver’s licenses and ID cards exceed federal requirements by also requiring proof of U.S. citizenship. Washington is one of only five states that issue enhanced licenses and IDs, which allow travelers to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders by land or sea—something not possible with a standard REAL ID. However, a passport is still required for international air travel.
Unlike REAL ID-compliant cards from other states that feature a star symbol, Washington’s enhanced licenses and IDs are marked with “Enhanced Driver License” or “Enhanced Identification Card” and include an American flag.
Washington will continue to issue standard driver’s licenses and ID cards, which do not require proof of residency or lawful status. While these can still be used for driving, boarding trains, and accessing most state services, they will not meet REAL ID requirements for air travel.
How to Get an Enhanced Driver’s License or ID
To obtain an enhanced license or ID in Washington, applicants must present:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of Washington residency
The DOL provides an online document checklist to help applicants prepare. Required documents must be presented in person at a DOL office, where applicants will also pay a fee.
The cost for an enhanced driver’s license varies between $7 and $116, depending on whether it is a new license or an upgrade from a standard license. If upgrading, the fee is $7 per year remaining on the license. An enhanced ID card costs $96.
Renewals can be completed in person, online, or by mail.
What If I Can’t Get an Enhanced License or ID Before May 7?
Appointments at Washington’s DOL offices are filling up quickly. The busiest locations—including Lynnwood, Federal Way, and West Seattle—offer up to 170 daily appointments but are already booked through late April or early May.
For those unable to obtain an enhanced license or ID before the deadline, alternative TSA-approved identification, such as a passport or permanent resident card, can still be used for domestic air travel.
“If you can’t find an appointment, it’s perfectly fine to walk in,” DOL spokesperson Thomas Charlson advised. “Just make sure you arrive early.”
