Learn more about the REAL ID Act and what pieces of identification meet the requirements.
What is REAL ID?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to help combat terrorism and identity theft. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. As of May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant document.
You may already have what you need!
REAL ID is a federal law, not an actual piece of ID. Per the law, there are many pieces of existing identification options that will work.
Discover REAL ID options
Here are some of the options that will work for air travel. Find the full list here.
U.S. Passport
U.S. Passport Card
Foreign Passport
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Federally Recognized Tribal-issued Photo ID
Border Crossing Card
Frequently asked questions
- Why do I need a REAL ID-compliant document?
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The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. The federal act will require anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities to use a REAL ID-compliant document starting May 7, 2025.
Even if you are not traveling by airplane, think about getting your REAL ID-compliant documents to secure your identification and in case of immediate travel needs.
- Will I still be able to obtain a standard driver license and ID card?
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Yes, we'll continue to offer standard driver licenses and ID cards that can be used by Washington residents to drive or as identification. A standard driver license and ID card do not indicate a person's residency or legal status. Starting May 7, 2025, they will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for boarding domestic flights.
- Will I be able to travel by air domestically with my standard driver license?
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No. As of May 7, 2025, you cannot board domestic flights with your standard driver license anymore unless it is an enhanced driver’s license or another REAL ID-compliant document.
- Will I be able to travel by land with my standard driver license or ID card?
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Yes, other avenues of travel, such as driving across state lines or taking a train, do not require a REAL ID-compliant ID. Standard driver licenses and ID cards will work.
- What is the difference between an enhanced driver license (EDL) and enhanced identification card (EID)?
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An EDL or EID is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and proof of citizenship. The enhanced features comply with the REAL ID Act. An EDL/EID meets federal requirements under REAL ID and is an approved alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
- Who can get an EDL or EID?
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You must be a U.S. citizen and provide:
- a Social Security number
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Washington State residency.
After you've collected your documents, make an appointment to apply at a driver licensing office near you.
- Do I have to get an EDL or EID?
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If you don't plan to fly domestically, or already have acceptable identity documents, you may not need an EDL or EID. The standard license will continue to permit you to drive and your standard ID will continue to serve as a valid form of identification within the state. However, it is best to stay prepared in the instance that there are unexpected travel needs.
- How do I know if my driver license or ID card does not comply with REAL ID?
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A standard Washington driver license or ID card does not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-approved document. We started marking standard driver licenses and ID cards with "Federal limits Apply" in July 2018 to indicate this. The standard license and ID card are not valid for international travel.
- Washington’s EDL/EID doesn’t have a star marking. Will it be accepted?
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The enhanced driver license/ID is Washington’s REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Many other states have chosen to offer a REAL ID card with a star marking. The EDL/EID bears a U.S. flag marking instead of a star. For domestic air travel, the EDL/EID and REAL ID card are equally acceptable.
- Is Washington's EDL/EID valid for international travel?
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The EDL/EID is valid for land and sea port entry to the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. It is not valid for any other form of international travel, including air travel from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
- Does REAL ID apply to children?
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TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
- What federal services and facilities can I access without a REAL ID?
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Beginning May 7, 2025, all adults 18 and older will need to present REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification or other acceptable ID to enter most federal facilities.
You do not need a REAL ID to:
- Enter federal facilities that do not require ID for general access
- Access health- or life-preserving services
- Apply for or receive federal benefits (such as Social Security or Veterans benefits)
- Vote or register to vote
- Drive (a standard driver’s license will still be valid for driving purposes only)
- Enter a police station or request law enforcement assistance
