Douglas Olsen
International students in the United States are often encouraged to obtain a state ID card as a convenient, secure, and legal form of identification. While the criteria for obtaining a state ID card vary by state, international students in Washington State can apply for a standard Washington State ID card or driver's license, regardless of their immigration status. However, it is important to note that international students are not eligible for REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EID) in Washington State, which will be the only acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States where international students can apply for a state ID | California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Vermont, and Washington |
| Documents required for Washington State ID | Proof of identity, 2 documents proving residence in the state |
| Washington State ID card cost | Between $10 and $90 |
| Passport requirement | Not required for domestic travel within the US |
| Washington State ID card vs. driver's license | A state ID card cannot be used for driving |
| Enhanced ID card (EID) | Can be used as an alternative to a passport for re-entry into the US at land and sea border crossings |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can get a standard Washington state ID card
- They can't get a REAL ID-compliant enhanced ID card
- A standard ID card is useful for general identification purposes
- It can't be used for domestic air travel or border crossings
- To obtain an ID card, students must provide proof of identity
International students can get a standard Washington state ID card
International students can obtain a standard Washington state ID card, which can be used as a primary form of identification. This is a helpful alternative to carrying your passport with you, and it is accepted as a form of ID when performing a transaction at a bank or boarding a domestic flight within the US.
To apply for a standard Washington state ID card, you will need to visit a licensing office and provide proof of identity. This can include a birth certificate, a foreign passport, or a verification ID letter from an agency that has an agreement with the Washington State Department of Licensing. A full list of accepted documents can be found on the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
It is important to note that a standard ID card is not sufficient for crossing borders or flying within the US after May 7, 2025. For these purposes, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required. Unfortunately, international students on F or J visas are not eligible for REAL IDs in Washington State, so alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, will need to be used for domestic air travel.
If you are interested in driving in the US, you may want to consider obtaining a Washington State Driver's License. While a standard ID card cannot be used for this purpose, Washington does offer driver's licenses to residents regardless of immigration status. The Office of Global Affairs at the University of Washington Tacoma recommends that international students wanting to drive in the US take a knowledge test to obtain a Washington State Driver's License.
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They can't get a REAL ID-compliant enhanced ID card
International students can obtain a Washington state ID card, which is a useful form of identification to have when performing a transaction at a bank or boarding a domestic flight within the US. However, they cannot obtain a REAL ID-compliant enhanced ID card.
Firstly, it is important to note that international students on F or J visas are not eligible for REAL ID-compliant enhanced IDs in Washington State. This is because, as of May 7, 2025, only US citizens are eligible to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID). International students must use a passport or EAD for domestic air travel as they are not eligible for REAL IDs.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to enhance security standards for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID will have a star at the top, indicating it meets federal requirements. While Washington State offers both standard and enhanced ID cards, international students are not eligible for the enhanced version, which has additional benefits such as being an acceptable alternative to a passport for re-entry into the US at land and sea border crossings.
To obtain a standard Washington state ID card, international students can follow a few simple steps. First, they must provide proof of identity, which may include a birth certificate or passport, and proof of residence in the state, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. Additionally, they may need to present their Form I-20 or DS-2019, as the end date on these forms will determine the expiration date of their state ID. It is worth noting that Washington State is one of 13 states that allow individuals to apply for a state ID without a US Social Security Number (SSN). However, if an individual does not live in one of these states, they may need to obtain a letter of SSN ineligibility before applying for a state ID.
While a standard Washington state ID card is a convenient form of identification for international students, it is important to be aware of its limitations. Unlike the enhanced ID card, the standard ID card cannot be used for border crossings. Therefore, international students should carefully consider their travel plans and understand the restrictions of the standard ID card before applying.
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A standard ID card is useful for general identification purposes
International students in the US can obtain a state ID card, which is a useful form of identification. A standard ID card is a handy way to prove your identity for general purposes, without having to carry your passport around. It can be used when travelling domestically, shopping, or going out to nightclubs or bars. It is also accepted as a form of identification when performing transactions at a bank or boarding an airplane for a domestic US flight.
In Washington State, international students can obtain a standard ID card or an Enhanced Identification Card (EID). However, only US citizens are eligible for the EID, which is a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. A standard ID card is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for border crossings. To obtain a standard ID card, students must provide proof of identity at a licensing office. This can include a birth certificate, passport, or other forms of ID. A standard ID card is a useful, general identification document that can be easily carried around in a wallet.
International students in Washington State may also be able to drive using a valid driver's license from their home country. However, they are encouraged to obtain a Washington State Driver's License, which requires taking a knowledge test. This provides a more comprehensive option for identification and mobility within the state and the US.
It is important to note that the requirements and processes for obtaining a state ID card may vary across different states. While Washington is one of the 13 states that allow individuals to apply for a state ID without a US Social Security Number, other states may have different eligibility criteria. It is always advisable for international students to check the specific requirements of their state of residence when applying for any form of identification.
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It can't be used for domestic air travel or border crossings
International students can obtain a state ID card in Washington, which can be used as a primary form of identification. While this ID card is useful for daily activities, such as proving your age or making transactions at a bank, it has limitations when it comes to travel. Specifically, the standard Washington state ID card cannot be used for domestic air travel or border crossings.
For domestic air travel within the US, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required starting May 7, 2025. This is due to the implementation of the REAL ID Act, which establishes minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. A standard Washington state ID card does not meet these requirements and is marked with "Federal limits apply." Therefore, it cannot be used for boarding domestic flights after the aforementioned date.
To use a Washington state ID card for domestic air travel, individuals must obtain an enhanced ID (EID) or an enhanced driver's license (EDL). These are REAL ID-compliant forms of identification that serve as acceptable alternatives to a passport for re-entry into the US at land and sea border crossings from specific countries, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The EDL/EID is marked with a US flag, while the REAL ID card from other states may have a star marking.
It is important to note that the EID is not a driver's license and has different requirements for obtaining it. To get an EID, one must be a US citizen and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency. The standard Washington state ID card and driver's license will continue to be valid for driving and identification purposes within the state.
While the TSA will begin enforcing the REAL ID law for air travel security screening checkpoints, there may be exceptions made for those without a REAL ID-compliant ID. However, this is not guaranteed, and individuals risk being denied boarding if they do not have the proper identification. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the correct identification documents are obtained before traveling.
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To obtain an ID card, students must provide proof of identity
International students in the US can obtain a state ID card, which can be used as a primary form of identification. This is especially useful as it allows students to keep their passport containing any visas safe at home. A state ID card can be used to prove one's age when travelling domestically within the US, shopping at grocery stores, or visiting nightclubs or bars. Furthermore, it is accepted as a form of identification when performing transactions at banks and boarding airplanes for domestic flights.
In Washington State, international students are not eligible for REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EID). These IDs are only available to US citizens and require proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. However, standard Washington State driver's licenses and ID cards are available to residents regardless of their immigration status. Thus, international students can obtain a standard ID card by providing proof of identity and residency in the state.
To obtain a standard Washington State ID card, students must provide proof of identity. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:
- Valid U.S. passport
- Valid U.S. passport card
- Valid or expired U.S. state or territory-issued driver's license, ID card, or photo instruction permit (expired no more than 1 year)
- Valid U.S. armed services ID card with photo
- Valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Valid U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization with photo, signature, and recognisable photo
- Valid U.S. B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150)
- Valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document
- Valid U.S. Military ID
- Valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service ID
- Valid I-327 U.S. Permit to Re-Enter Travel Document
- Valid U.S. Refugee Verification Packet
- Certified birth certificate (U.S. or foreign)
- Birth registration card with name, date of birth, place of birth, file date, and issue date (certified)
It is important to note that only original documents are accepted, and no copies, scans, or photographs are allowed. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Licensing uses facial recognition technology to prevent identity theft, so individuals must ensure their faces are visible when having their photo taken for the ID card.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a standard Washington State ID card. However, only U.S. citizens are eligible for a REAL ID-compliant Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID).
You will need to provide proof of identity, which can include a birth certificate, passport, or other identification documents. The specific requirements may vary, so it is recommended to check with the Washington State Department of Licensing for the most up-to-date information.
A state ID card is a convenient way to prove your identity and age when travelling, shopping, or going out. It is also accepted as a form of identification when performing transactions at banks and boarding domestic flights within the U.S., making it a useful alternative to carrying your passport everywhere.
You can obtain a Washington state ID card by visiting a driver licensing office and providing the required proof of identity documents. You will also have your photo taken for the ID card. After submitting your application and paying the associated fee, you will first receive a temporary state ID, followed by a plastic ID card in the mail within a few weeks.
