The state Legislature on Friday approved legislation bringing the state into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act.
The bill creates a two-tiered identification system, with the enhanced driver’s license as the federally compliant version requiring proof of citizenship. The standard license will remain available to all residents but not work for federal purposes.
State-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act may not be accepted by a federal agency for certain official purposes. The purposes covered by the Act are:
• accessing federal facilities, including military bases;
• entering nuclear power plants; and
• beginning Jan. 22, 2018, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
“Washington residents need certainty that their ID will work when they head to the airport,” said Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, who serves as Senate Majority Floor Leader. “This bipartisan solution provides options for people to select the license that best fits their needs and legal status in the country.”
The REAL ID Act passed Congress in 2005 creating standards for government-issued identification. Washington was the only state that did not require an applicant to prove citizenship and provide their social security number before receiving a state license.
While only U.S. citizens can obtain an enhanced license, undocumented immigrants and legal resident aliens on work, school, or tourist visas, can obtain a standard license.
With increased demand for enhanced licenses, the legislation also reduces the price of an enhanced license from $108 to $78.
The federal government recently passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires a passport or other federally-approved identification or proof-of-citizenship document for all travel into the United States. To preserve travel, trade, and cultural ties with British Columbia and increase security at the border, we are offering EDL/EID Cards to Washington residents who choose to participate.
For more information please visit SenatorFain.com and to learn how to obtain an enhanced driver’s license visit REALID.SenatorFain.com.
View Senator Fain’s newest episode of 57 Seconds on REAL ID on Facebook or YouTube.
