SEATTLE – Washington state residents may need to upgrade to an enhanced driver's license or carry their passport if they want to make it through airport security sometime next year – even if they are flying domestically.
The Transportation Security Administration has not said when the rule will go into effect, but will provide at least four months notice when passengers will need to provide more than a Washington state driver's license.
The issue is more relevant now for people trying to get onto a military base or into other federal facilities. Anyone with a standard Washington driver's license is advised to call ahead to those locations.
This all stems from a dispute between the federal government and Washington state over proof of residency. Washington is one of only two states that doesn't require proof someone is a legal U.S. resident in order to obtain a driver's license.
The federal REAL ID act, passed in 2005, requires proof of citizenship in order for a license to be valid for federal use. That includes being able to access certain areas of federal buildings and, eventually, to board a commercial flight. Washington state was given an extension to comply with stricter federal requirements, but that extension is about to expire.
This week, the state Department of Licensing received a letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that said Washington would not be getting another extension.
The Department of Homeland Security says federal agencies can continue to accept driver's licenses for the next three months, but about 6 million people will eventually have to upgrade their licenses or present their passport to get into those secure federal areas.
Washington state offers enhanced driver's licenses that are valid under the federal law. The most notable difference is the red bar and an American flag on the front of the license and security information on the back. A standard license costs $54 while an enhanced license costs $72. If it's not time for you to renew your standard license, you can upgrade for an additional $3 for every year you have left before your renewal date.
The enhanced license takes 2-3 weeks to process. You must provide proof of citizenship -- bringing your old license won't be enough. You have to go into one of the selected Department of Licensing offices get the enhanced license.
Here is more information on what you need to bring to get your enhanced license and which DOL offices provide them.
