“The Department of Homeland Security has announced that starting October 1, 2020, all travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights in the United States. This has left many Washington state residents wondering if their current driver’s license will suffice for air travel within the country.
Washington state driver’s licenses are currently not REAL ID-compliant, but the state has been working to update their licenses to meet the new federal requirements. The Department of Licensing began issuing enhanced driver’s licenses in 2008, which are compliant with the REAL ID Act and can be used for domestic flights as well as entry into federal facilities and military bases.
If you do not have an enhanced driver’s license, you can still use your standard Washington state driver’s license for domestic air travel until October 1, 2020. After that date, you will need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, in order to board a flight within the United States.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with the goal of improving security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards. The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, including the use of features such as a machine-readable zone, a hologram, and anti-counterfeiting measures.
In order to obtain an enhanced driver’s license in Washington state, residents need to provide proof of identity, citizenship, and residence, as well as pass a knowledge and vision test. The enhanced driver’s license costs $90, compared to $54 for a standard driver’s license.
While the process of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license may seem like a hassle, it offers a convenient and cost-effective way for Washington state residents to comply with the REAL ID Act and ensure they can continue to travel within the United States without any interruptions.
For those who do not have an enhanced driver’s license and do not want to go through the process of obtaining one, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used for domestic air travel. These include a passport, passport card, U.S. military ID, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI), and airline- or airport-issued identification.
It is important for travelers to plan ahead and make sure they have the proper identification before heading to the airport, in order to avoid any last-minute complications or delays. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that travelers check their identification to ensure it meets the REAL ID Act requirements well in advance of their travel date.
In conclusion, Washington state residents can currently fly domestically with a standard driver’s license, but they will need to upgrade to an enhanced driver’s license or obtain an alternative form of identification by October 1, 2020, in order to continue to do so. It is important for travelers to be aware of the upcoming changes and take the necessary steps to ensure they can fly seamlessly within the United States.”
