What You Need to Do to Get a Real ID in Washington

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Washington State issues Real IDs through the Department of Licensing (DOL). To get one, you visit a DOL office in person, bring specific documents that prove your identity and residency, pass an in-person verification, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the location is.

Washington began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and since May 2025, a Real ID or passport is required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. If you have a standard Washington driver's license or ID card issued before Real ID became available, you can still use it for those purposes until it expires — but when you renew, you will need to follow the Real ID process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid visa.
  • You will need to provide proof of your current Washington address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The fee for a Real ID driver's license is the same as a standard license renewal; an ID card costs less but does not allow you to drive.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the DOL website before you go to an office.

Documents You Must Bring to the DOL Office

Washington requires you to bring an original identity document — not a copy. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy. A hospital birth record or a copy from a vital records office will not work.

You also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. The card itself is preferred because it is fastest to verify.

Bring proof of your current Washington address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance bill all work. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address is also acceptable. If you have moved recently and your documents show an old address, bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address — to explain the change.

If you are renewing a license or ID card, bring your current card. If you are getting your first Washington license or ID, or if your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring an old card.

Real ID vs. Standard License: What Is the Difference

A Real ID driver's license looks similar to a standard Washington license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It meets federal security standards and is accepted for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Washington driver's license does not have the star and does not meet those federal requirements.

When you renew your license at a DOL office, you will be asked whether you want a Real ID or a standard license. Most people choose Real ID because it serves both purposes — you can drive and use it for federal identification. The cost is the same either way. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving in Washington.

An ID card (not a driver's license) is also available as a Real ID. It proves your identity but does not allow you to drive. It costs less than a driver's license and is useful if you do not drive but need a federally accepted ID. The process to get an ID card is identical to getting a Real ID driver's license — you bring the same documents and visit a DOL office.

How to Find a DOL Office and Book an Appointment

Washington has DOL offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov. The site shows which offices are open, their hours, and estimated wait times updated throughout the day.

You can book an appointment online through the same website. Booking ahead is strongly recommended because it reserves your place and usually reduces your wait time to 15 minutes or less. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.

Some DOL offices are busier than others. If your nearest office shows a long wait, you can travel to a less busy location in a neighboring town or county. The appointment system lets you see wait times at multiple offices so you can choose the best time and place.

What Happens When You Visit the DOL Office

When you arrive at the DOL office, a staff member will review your documents to confirm they are original and meet the requirements. They will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against federal records, and confirm your Washington address. This verification usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

You will then have your photo taken for your license or ID card. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your card for several years. You will also be asked to sign a document confirming the information on your license or ID.

After verification and your photo, you will pay the fee. A Real ID driver's license costs the same as a standard license renewal — the fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid (typically 5 or 8 years). An ID card costs less. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

Your temporary license or ID will be printed on the spot, valid when ready for driving or federal identification. Your permanent card will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your permanent card arrives, the temporary version is accepted.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down the Process

The most common mistake is bringing a copy of your birth certificate instead of an official certified copy with a raised seal. Photocopies and documents from vital records websites that do not have a raised seal will not be accepted, and you will have to leave and get the correct document before you can complete your process.

Another frequent issue is bringing an address document that is older than 60 days. If your utility bill or lease is dated more than 60 days ago, bring a second document showing your current address, such as a recent bank statement or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead.

Some people bring a copy of their Social Security card instead of the original. While a W-2 or tax return showing your number will work, the card itself is fastest. If you do not have your card, bring a document with your number printed on it rather than trying to remember the number.

Finally, do not assume your old Washington license counts as proof of identity for a Real ID. You need one of the documents listed above — a passport, birth certificate, or similar document — even if you already have a Washington license. Your old license proves you are a Washington resident, but it does not prove your identity for federal purposes.

Fees and How Long Your Real ID Lasts

A Real ID driver's license in Washington costs the same as a standard license. The fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid. You can choose a 5-year license or an 8-year license; the 8-year option costs more but saves you money over time because you renew less often. The exact fee changes yearly, so check the DOL website for current pricing.

An ID card (without driving privileges) costs less than a driver's license. Like a driver's license, you can choose how long you want it to be valid.

Your Real ID is valid for the number of years you choose at the time you get it. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DOL office. A mail or online renewal is faster and does not require you to bring documents again — you only need to visit an office in person if your address has changed or if you need a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or Permanent Resident Card instead. If you have none of these, you can order a birth certificate from the state where you were born — most states allow you to order online or by mail. Contact your state's vital records office for instructions.

What if I moved to Washington recently and my documents show an old address?

Bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new Washington address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your new address works. This shows the DOL office that you have recently moved and are now a Washington resident.

Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly or go to federal buildings?

No. A standard Washington driver's license is still valid for driving and most everyday purposes. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. When your current license expires, you can choose to renew it as a standard license or upgrade to a Real ID.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I visit the office?

Your temporary license or ID is valid when ready. Your permanent card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your permanent card arrives, the temporary version is accepted.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail instead of going to an office?

Yes, if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. Mail renewal is faster and does not require a visit to a DOL office. You can also renew online. If you have moved or want a new photo, you must visit an office in person.