Washington REAL ID for Immigrants 2026: DOL Rules and TSA Paths

(WASHINGTON STATE) Washington’s ID rules create a clear split for immigrants in 2026: most non‑U.S. citizens can only get a standard driver’s license or ID card that says Federal Limits Apply, while only U.S. citizens can get Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) or an Enhanced ID that meets REAL ID rules for flying. If you are an immigrant, this does not block you from driving or proving your identity in Washington, but it changes what you must show at the airport and some federal sites.

The key date stays the same nationwide. Since May 7, 2025, adults 18 and older need a REAL ID‑compliant license or another TSA‑accepted document to board domestic flights. Washington’s standard cards issued since July 2018 are not compliant, which is why the Federal Limits Apply label matters in daily life.

Why Washington works differently: EDL/EID for citizens, standard cards for everyone else

Washington does not issue a traditional REAL ID driver’s license to immigrants or other non‑U.S. citizens. The state instead uses the EDL/EID system, which carries a U.S. flag marking and counts as REAL ID for federal purposes. Those enhanced cards require:

• U.S. citizenship
• A Social Security number
• Proof of citizenship, identity, and Washington residency

Immigrants — including people with lawful status and undocumented residents — can still get a standard Washington driver’s license or ID card. The standard card is valid for driving, age checks, banking, school paperwork, and most in‑state identification needs. What it will not do is replace a passport, green card, or work permit at TSA screening.

Start with the airport rule: what you show for domestic flights in 2026

If your Washington card says Federal Limits Apply, plan to use a second document that TSA accepts. Common options for immigrants include:

• A Permanent Resident Card (green card), Form I-551, issued by USCIS. USCIS explains permanent residence at https://www.uscis.gov/green-card.
• An Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766, based on an approved Form I-765 application. USCIS posts details at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.
• An unexpired foreign passport.
• An unexpired foreign passport with a U.S. visa and your Form I-94 arrival record, available through CBP at the official I-94 Website.
• DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry or NEXUS, if you have them.

The federal rule applies nationwide, not just in Washington. TSA keeps its official list at https://www.tsa.gov/real-id. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, travelers with Federal Limits Apply cards should expect longer lines if they need manual document checks.

Key takeaway: If your Washington card says Federal Limits Apply, bring a TSA‑accepted federal document to board domestic flights. Expect extra screening time.

Document checklist for a standard Washington license or ID

Bring original documents. Photocopies do not work. Make sure your names match across records, or bring a legal name change document such as a marriage certificate.

You typically need three categories of proof:

1. Identity or lawful presence (one primary document)
   Examples:
   • Valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa and an I‑94 record
   • Green card (Form I-551)
   • EAD (Form I-766)
2. Social Security number, if one has been issued to you
   Acceptable items:
   • SSN card
   • W‑2
   • Pay stub showing the number
     Asylum seekers with a valid EAD must provide an SSN.
3. Washington residency (two documents)
   Acceptable items:
   • Utility bills
   • Lease
   • Bank statements
   • School records showing your name and address
     Some items must be dated within 60 days — check dates before printing.

For the full list and the latest fees, check https://dol.wa.gov before you go.

The step-by-step process, with realistic timeframes

Most applicants finish the process in days or weeks. Timing depends on testing access and appointments. Here’s the usual sequence:

1. Collect your documents (same week)
   • Put identity document, proof of residency, and SSN evidence in one folder.
   • Add name change records if documents differ.
2. Complete required testing (same day to two weeks)
   • Vision screening is free.
   • New drivers usually take a knowledge test ($35) and, if required, a driving test ($50).
3. Book a DOL visit (one day to several weeks)
   • Many offices take appointments; some accept walk‑ins with longer waits.
   • Book early if you work nights or study full time.
4. Attend the appointment and apply (same day)
   • Staff review documents, take your photo, collect your fee, and issue a temporary paper credential.
   • Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7–10 days.
5. Set your flight plan (before every trip)
   • Keep your TSA document (passport, green card, or EAD) with your wallet.
   • Arrive one extra hour early when using a non‑compliant ID.

What authorities check at each stage, and how to avoid common setbacks

At the DOL counter:
– Staff check your identity document, Washington address, and whether your record supports issuing a state credential.
– They do not decide immigration benefits.
– Common reasons for rejection: expired passports and old residency documents.

At the airport:
– TSA checks that your ID is acceptable for boarding and that it is unexpired.
– A Washington license marked Federal Limits Apply will not satisfy REAL ID by itself.
– Use a passport, green card, or EAD instead.
– Keep the federal document in your carry‑on, not in checked luggage.

At federal buildings:
– Many facilities apply REAL ID rules at the door.
– Bring your passport or USCIS card if you have an appointment inside.

If you become a citizen later: switching to an EDL/EID

Becoming a U.S. citizen changes your Washington options. U.S. citizens can apply for an EDL or Enhanced ID that meets REAL ID standards and shows the U.S. flag marking.

Requirements include:
– Proof of citizenship
– Proof of identity
– Proof of Washington residency
– Social Security number

Washington lists the first Enhanced ID cost for citizens as $96 for 6 years or $128 for 8 years. Those enhanced cards are not available to immigrants until they become citizens. Until then, a standard license plus a TSA document remains the practical path.

Situations that require extra planning

• International students and exchange visitors (F-1/J-1)
  You qualify for a standard Washington license or ID, not an EDL/EID. For flights, bring your unexpired passport, plus your visa and I‑94 record when needed.

• Temporary workers (H-1B and other visas)
  A standard license covers day‑to‑day life, including driving to work. For domestic flights, your passport and federal immigration document do the heavy lifting. Keep them current before renewing your state card.

• Undocumented Washington residents
  Washington issues standard driver’s licenses to residents without requiring U.S. citizenship. The airport rule still applies. Domestic air travel requires a TSA‑accepted document that many undocumented travelers do not have.

A simple “two-pocket” habit that reduces stress

Use your Washington license for state tasks and your federal document for federal tasks.

• Keep your standard card where you keep car keys and insurance papers.
• Store your passport, green card, or EAD in a separate, secure place for travel days.

When Federal Limits Apply becomes the issue at the security line, you will already have what TSA expects.

Practical tip: Create a travel checklist (wallet, tickets, federal document) the night before every trip to avoid last‑minute problems.

Renewals, replacements, and mail delivery timing

• Washington licenses arrive by mail, so keep your address current with the DOL before you apply or renew.
• After your office visit, you leave with a temporary paper credential, then wait 7–10 days for the card.
• If you lose your passport, green card, or EAD, replace it through the issuing agency and bring the replacement to TSA.
• Avoid third‑party offers that promise REAL ID upgrades in parking lots or online groups — do not hand your documents to strangers.

For families, set a shared checklist the night before travel: wallet, tickets, and the federal document each traveler will use. Children under 18 don’t need REAL ID for domestic flights with TSA in Washington.