Do WA residents need an enhanced driver’s license to fly this Thanksgiving? What you need to know

If you plan to travel domestically this Thanksgiving or throughout this holiday season, you’ve probably wondered whether you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.

The answer is no, you don’t need it yet.

with authorities Washington State Department of Licensing (PROGENY), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), SEA International Airport (SEA) and Alaska Airlines A press release earlier this year announced that Washington state residents will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, identification card, or other acceptable document to board a commercial flight by May 7, 2025.

“We want Washington residents to be ready, and this is a reminder that you have a year to look at your identification options and determine which one best fits your lifestyle,” said DOL director Marcus Glasper. in a press release. “If you have one of many REAL ID-compliant documents, including a Washington enhanced driver’s license or ID card, you may already have the travel ID you need. “We strongly advise our citizens not to wait and prepare now.”

Last September, TSA suggested A rule that would give federal agencies “flexibility to begin implementation of REAL ID regulations by the May 7, 2025 deadline, taking into account security, operational risk, and public impact.”

This rule does not extend the May 7, 2025 deadline, but instead is intended to allow TSA to consider the phased implementation approach of the REAL ID regulation. Under this rule, passengers traveling without a REAL-ID-compliant ID or other approved form of identification after the deadline may experience long delays at security checkpoints.

So, what are an enhanced driver’s license and enhanced ID card and why will you need them by May 2025? Here’s what you need to know.

What is an advanced driver’s license, advanced ID card?

Washington’s enhanced driver licenses (EDLs) and enhanced ID cards (EIDs) both comply with the federal REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 and implemented “the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards.”

Washington EDLs and EIDs are valid for domestic air travel and can be used to cross the Canadian and Mexican border by land or sea.

“TSA currently accepts multiple photo IDs from travelers as part of our identity verification process. We will continue to do so once federal enforcement of REAL ID begins,” TSA Washington Federal Security Director Greg Hawko said in the news release. “If you are a traveler who chooses to use your state-issued driver’s license or ID card, please immediately check to ensure your photo ID is REAL ID compliant. Take action. This will ensure you are ready to travel on or after May 7, 2025.”

In addition to traveling, REAL IDs, EDLs, and EIDs will also be needed to enter certain federal buildings as the federal deadline approaches.

What documents do you need to get EDL?

To get a REAL ID, you need one way to prove your identity, two ways to prove your residence and your social security number. DOL has a feature tool set helps residents prepare for upcoming REAL ID travel requirements.

Acceptable identification documents include:

• original birth certificate

• Residence/citizenship documents, i.e. permanent residence card, naturalization certificate or citizenship certificate

• These must be original documents, not photocopies

• You can prove your SSI number with your SSI card.

Some acceptable proof of residence documents include:

• Cell phone bill or statement

• Home service or service document (invoice, statement, connection order, etc.) for Washington address (gas, electricity, water, garbage, sewer, landline telephone, TV, internet, ISTA).

• Lease or lease agreement

• Washington vehicle registration

According to the DOL, you will not need to show your Social Security card, but you will need to provide your Social Security number.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining an EDL or EID in Washington state varies depending on whether you are purchasing a new driver’s license or ID or upgrading an existing driver’s license or ID.

Initial EDL card fee: $116 for five years

• $35 application fee plus $1 technology fee plus $16 annual regulatory fee

Upgrade existing Washington driver’s license to EDL: $7 to $56

• $7 per year for the remaining time on your license

Initial EDL card fee: $96 to $128

Upgrade existing Washington ID to EID: $7 to $32

• $7 per year for the remaining time on your license