SPOKANE, Washington - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today reminded the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver license or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft.
To determine if a Washington drive license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for the words “Enhanced Driver License” or “Enhanced Identification Card” across the upper right of the credential. It will also have a flag icon near the photo.
Once enforcement begins, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified.
“With REAL ID enforcement less than two weeks away, now is the time for Washingtonians to determine what type of photo ID they will present to the TSA officer for identity verification at the security checkpoint,” said TSA acting Federal Security Director for Washington Dan Wyllie. “Identity verification is the cornerstone of aviation security and it is critical that individuals can prove they are who they say they are through a reliable ID system. Fortunately, TSA accepts multiple forms of photo ID, so take a few minutes to determine which type you will use the next time you travel.”
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or SENTRI card; U.S. Department of Defense photo ID including those issued to dependents; an ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) began issuing enhanced driver licenses in 2008 with the intent they would be REAL ID-compliant, and they were officially deemed acceptable by the Department of Homeland Security and TSA in 2018. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of identity, proof of Washington residency and a trip to the DOL. Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Security number. More information on applying for a REAL ID in Washington is available at https://dol.wa.gov/id-cards/real-id#realid
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.