Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the United States. This means that Washington state residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly within the country. Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) and enhanced IDs (EIDs), which are REAL ID-compliant and can be used for air travel within the US and land and sea travel into bordering countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Washington residents use their state ID at the airport? | Yes, but only until May 7, 2025. After that, a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card will be required to fly within the United States. |
| What are the acceptable forms of ID at the airport? | A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, a passport, or a military ID. |
| Are there any exceptions for children? | Yes, children under 18 are not required to provide a form of identification for TSA screening when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. |
| What if my ID is expired? | TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to one year after expiration. |
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What You'll Learn
- Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses, which are REAL ID-compliant
- From May 7, 2025, all US states must comply with the REAL ID law
- TSA will accept expired driver's licenses for up to a year after their expiration date
- Children under 18 are not required to show ID when travelling within the US
- A US passport is an alternative form of ID to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license
Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses, which are REAL ID-compliant
From May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the United States. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.
Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) only. These are REAL ID-compliant and will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect. EDLs are marked with a flag and provide proof of identity and citizenship. Washington residents must be U.S. citizens and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency to obtain an EDL.
An EDL allows you to fly within the U.S. and travel by land and sea into bordering countries. A passport is another acceptable form of identification and allows you to fly within the U.S. and around the world. If you don't plan to fly domestically or already have acceptable identification documents, you may not need an EDL.
It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have acceptable identification.
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From May 7, 2025, all US states must comply with the REAL ID law
Washington state residents can use their standard driver's licenses and ID cards for driving or as identification until May 7, 2025. After that date, these IDs will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for boarding domestic flights. Washington state also offers enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) and enhanced IDs (EIDs), which are REAL ID-compliant and can be used for flying within the US and for land and sea travel into bordering countries. To obtain an EDL or EID, Washington residents must be US citizens and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency.
It is important to note that even if a traveler's ID is not REAL ID-compliant, they may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask the traveler to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name, current address, and other personal information to confirm their identity. If the traveler's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
To check if their ID complies with REAL ID, travelers can contact their state department of motor vehicles. As of now, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York issue REAL IDs and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable.
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TSA will accept expired driver's licenses for up to a year after their expiration date
Washington state residents can use their state ID at the airport, as long as it is a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. An enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and citizenship. An EDL/EID is compliant with REAL ID requirements and is an approved alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the U.S. by land or sea.
From May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the United States. This means that standard licenses will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for boarding domestic flights. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
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Children under 18 are not required to show ID when travelling within the US
Washington state residents can use their standard driver's licenses and ID cards as identification to fly within the US until May 7, 2025. After this date, only REAL ID-compliant forms of identification will be accepted at airports. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). An alternative is a passport, which allows US citizens to fly within the country and around the world. Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) which meet federal requirements under REAL ID and can be used as an approved alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the US at land and sea borders.
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A US passport is an alternative form of ID to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license
From May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 flying within the United States will need to present a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. This is due to the REAL ID Act, which establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards.
Washington state residents can use an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) to fly within the US and to enter the country by land or sea from bordering countries. These documents are marked with a US flag and the word "Enhanced" and are REAL ID-compliant. Washington residents can also use a standard driver's license or ID card for identification and driving. However, these standard forms of ID will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
It is important to note that TSA requirements can change, and travelers are advised to check the latest information before flying.
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Frequently asked questions
Washington state issues enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) only. These are REAL ID-compliant and will be accepted at airport security checkpoints.
Other acceptable forms of ID include a passport, military ID, or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization card (I-766).
Children under 18 are not required to provide ID when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs for up to a year after their expiration date.
