REAL ID Enforcement Delayed Again

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has once again extended the date it will begin to enforce the REAL ID law. Now, REAL ID is scheduled to go into effect for people living in Washington State on May 7, 2025.

What is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act is a law passed by Congress in 2005 to set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and regulate the identification needed to enter airports and federal facilities. In general, the law requires everyone to have an ID that complies with the REAL ID law to enter federal buildings and pass through airport security. That means that once the law takes effect in Washington State, a regular Washington State ID will no longer be sufficient to travel by plane.

What types of IDs comply with the REAL ID law?

Some IDs that are REAL ID compliant include passports (from the U.S. and from other countries), work permits, permanent resident cards, military IDs, and Washington State Enhanced IDs. Standard Washington State IDs are not REAL ID-compliant.

Am I eligible for a Washington State Enhanced ID?

Only U.S. citizens can apply for a Washington State Enhanced ID. Standard IDs (which do not meet REAL ID requirements) are available to anyone residing in Washington State.

If you are a U.S. citizen and have more questions about Enhanced IDs, please visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edlfaq.html

I am not a U.S. citizen. What do I do when the REAL ID law takes effect?

Washington State was granted an extension on REAL ID enforcement until May 7, 2025. Until then, Washington residents may use their enhanced OR standard IDs to travel by airplane within the country and to access federal facilities such as military bases.

We have yet to see how this law will be put into practice if it is enacted in in May 2025, but we will keep you informed as we receive more information.

Immigration lawyer Inna Scott and her team at Global Law Advocates specialize in helping immigrants of all kinds gain legal status and other immigration benefits in the United States. To consult with an experienced attorney about your immigration options, call us at 206-774-8758 or send us an email at info@globallawadvocates.com.