International Students: Getting A Washington State Id Card

International students in the US can obtain a state ID card, which can be used as a primary form of identification. This is recommended as it is easier to carry than a passport and can be used for domestic air travel, banking, and other activities like shopping or going to a bar. Washington is one of 13 states that allows international students to apply for a state ID without a US Social Security Number. However, students will need to present two documents proving that they reside in the state, and a standard ID will not be accepted for international travel.

International students can get a Washington state ID card without a US Social Security Number

International students can obtain a Washington state ID card without a US Social Security Number (SSN). A state ID card is a useful form of identification for international students, as it can be used for various purposes, such as proof of age when travelling domestically, shopping, or going out to bars or nightclubs. It is also accepted as a valid form of ID when performing transactions at a bank.

To apply for a Washington state ID card, international students can follow these steps:

• Visit a Washington State Department of Licensing Office.
• Provide proof of identity. The specific documents required may vary, but some acceptable forms include a foreign birth certificate, a driver's license from your home country, or a passport.
• If you are applying for an Enhanced ID (EID), you will need to provide two different types of documents that prove your residency in the state, such as a lease or utility bill in your name. An EID is a REAL ID-compliant form of identification that can be used as an alternative to a passport for re-entry into the US at land and sea borders.
• Have your photo taken. The Department of Licensing will use facial recognition technology to prevent identity theft.

It is important to note that a standard Washington state ID card cannot be used for border crossings. Additionally, starting May 7, 2025, standard ID cards will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for boarding domestic flights. International students are encouraged to obtain a Washington state ID card or a Washington state driver's license, rather than carrying their passports as a form of identification.

A Washington state ID card is a useful form of identification for international students

Washington state ID cards are useful for students when they need to prove their age when travelling, shopping, or going to a bar or nightclub. They are also accepted as a form of identification when performing transactions at a bank, and when boarding a domestic flight in the US. In addition, a standard Washington state driver's license or ID card can be used as identification when driving. However, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) is required for re-entry into the US at land and sea borders. An EDL/EID is also needed for domestic air travel from May 7, 2025, onwards.

International students can choose to apply for either a standard ID or an EID. To apply for a standard ID card, students must make an appointment to visit a licensing office and provide proof of identity. The EID, on the other hand, requires students to have a parent or guardian accompany them to the licensing office. The EID also has different requirements, including the need to present two documents that prove the student resides in the state, such as a lease agreement or utility bill in their name.

It is important to note that a Washington state ID card does not permit individuals to drive. For international students who wish to drive in the US, it is recommended that they take a knowledge test and obtain a Washington state driver's license. This can be done by taking a knowledge test and reading the Driver Guides, which are available in seven different languages.

International students can drive in Washington with a valid license from their home country

International students can drive in Washington with a valid driver's license from their home country. However, it is recommended that they obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well. An IDP is a form of identification that many countries worldwide recognize, and it allows individuals to drive legally in a different country. While not all U.S. states require an IDP, Washington is one of the states that do.

In Washington, individuals with a valid out-of-state or foreign driver's license are permitted to drive for up to three months. This means that international students with a valid license from their home country can typically drive in Washington for up to three months without obtaining a Washington state driver's license. However, it is important to note that the license must be in English or accompanied by an IDP. Additionally, individuals must have valid insurance to drive in Washington.

After the initial three-month period, international students are encouraged to obtain a Washington state driver's license. They can do so by taking a knowledge test, which they can prepare for by reading Driver Guides available in seven different languages. Obtaining a Washington state driver's license will allow international students to continue driving legally in the state and can also serve as a form of identification.

It is worth noting that Washington offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard driver's license and an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID). The EDL/EID is REAL ID-compliant and serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. It is an approved alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders with neighboring countries. However, to obtain an EDL/EID, individuals must be U.S. citizens and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency. On the other hand, a standard driver's license or ID card does not indicate residency or legal status and can be obtained by non-citizens.

A Washington state ID card is not enough to cross US borders

International students can obtain a Washington state ID card. The ISS encourages all students to use a state ID as a safe and legal way of showing identity for general purposes. However, a standard Washington state ID card is not sufficient to cross US borders.

A standard ID card does not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-approved document. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification will be required for domestic air travel, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. A standard ID card will not be accepted for these purposes.

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) is a form of identification with increased security features that prove identity and citizenship. An EDL/EID meets the federal requirements for REAL ID and can be used as an alternative to a passport for re-entry to the US at land and sea borders with specific countries. However, an EDL/EID is only available to US citizens who can provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, identity, and Washington state residency.

Therefore, while a Washington state ID card is a useful form of identification for general purposes, it is not sufficient to cross US borders. For international students, a passport would be the more appropriate form of identification for border crossings.

International students must present two documents proving they reside in Washington to get a Real ID

International students in Washington State are encouraged to obtain a Washington State ID card as a safe and legal way to prove their identity for general purposes. While a standard ID card can be used for driving and identification purposes, it does not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-approved document. Thus, it will not be accepted as a valid form of ID for boarding domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

To obtain a REAL ID, international students must present two documents proving they reside in Washington State. This is because a REAL ID is a federal law that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. An enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) is Washington's REAL ID-compliant form of identification. An EDL/EID is marked with a U.S. flag and proves both identity and citizenship.

International students can provide the following as proof of residency in Washington State:

• A rental agreement or lease
• A mortgage statement
• A utility bill
• A bank statement
• A paycheck
• A government-issued document with their name and address

In addition to proving their residency, international students must also provide proof of identity and citizenship when applying for a REAL ID. Acceptable documents for proof of identity include a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, or an ID card from another country. For proof of citizenship, a valid passport, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), or a Certificate of Citizenship are all acceptable.

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