Ibrahim Gardner
International students in Washington State can obtain a standard driver's license or ID card, which does not require proof of citizenship or residency. However, as of May 7, 2025, a standard license will no longer be accepted as a valid form of ID for boarding domestic flights. An enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) is a REAL ID-compliant form of identification that can be used for domestic air travel and land and sea port entry to the US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. To obtain an EDL or EID, an individual must provide proof of US citizenship and Washington State residency, among other requirements. Therefore, international students in Washington State who are not US citizens would not be eligible for an enhanced driver's license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) in Washington State? | Only U.S. citizens can obtain an EDL in Washington State. |
| What is the purpose of an EDL? | An EDL confirms the holder's identity and U.S. citizenship. It can be used for domestic air travel within the U.S. and to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean through land or sea ports of entry. |
| How does an EDL differ from a standard driver's license or ID card? | A standard driver's license or ID card does not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-approved document and cannot be used for international travel. It can be used for other U.S. travel, such as driving within Washington State or across state lines. |
| Are there any upcoming changes to ID requirements in Washington State? | By May 7, 2025, Washington residents will need a REAL ID-compliant identification, such as an EDL, to board a commercial flight. |
| What documents are required to obtain an EDL? | A Social Security number, proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington State residency are required. |
| Are there any costs associated with obtaining an EDL? | Yes, the cost varies depending on whether it is a new license or an upgrade to a current driver's license. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can get a standard Washington driver's license or ID card without US citizenship
- Standard licenses/IDs are not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for international travel
- Enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) are REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel
- EDLs can be used for land and sea entry to the US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean
- To obtain an EDL, you must be a US citizen and provide a Social Security number and proof of citizenship
International students can get a standard Washington driver's license or ID card without US citizenship
International students can obtain a standard Washington driver's license or ID card without US citizenship. The standard driver's license permits driving in Washington and serves as official identification. Meanwhile, the ID card is only for identification and does not authorise driving. These standard licenses and ID cards are useful for activities such as banking, domestic travel, and proving one's age.
However, it is important to note that the standard Washington driver's license or ID card is not a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. This means that starting in May 2025, they will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification for boarding commercial flights within the United States.
If you are an international student who plans to travel by air domestically or access certain federal facilities, you may need to explore other options for identification. One option is to obtain an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), which is REAL ID-compliant. However, to obtain an EDL or EID, you must be a U.S. citizen and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency.
Therefore, while international students can obtain a standard Washington driver's license or ID card without US citizenship, they may need to consider alternative forms of identification for certain types of travel or access to federal facilities. It is recommended to check with the Washington State Department of Licensing for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
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Standard licenses/IDs are not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for international travel
Standard licenses and IDs are not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for international travel, including air travel from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. This is because they do not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-approved document. Since 2018, standard licenses and IDs have been marked with "Federal limits apply" to indicate this.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting on May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities, such as nuclear power plants, must use a REAL ID-compliant document or another acceptable form of identification. This includes a U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). The EDL is Washington's REAL ID-compliant form of identification, which can be used for domestic air travel and land and sea port entry to the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
It is important to note that a standard driver's license or ID card will still permit you to drive and can be used as a valid form of identification within the state. Additionally, these standard IDs can be obtained without U.S. citizenship. However, they will not be accepted for boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal facilities after May 7, 2025.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you can visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out the specific process and documents required for your state. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity.
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Enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) are REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel
International students looking to obtain an enhanced driver's license (EDL) in Washington state should note that only US citizens who can provide proof of citizenship are eligible for an EDL. A green card or work visa does not qualify one for an EDL. The EDL confirms one's identity and US citizenship and can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.
The EDL is also an acceptable REAL ID document for domestic air travel within the United States. REAL IDs are required for plane travel and access to certain federal facilities. A standard driver's license or ID card, on the other hand, is sufficient for other types of US travel, such as driving within or across state lines or riding a train.
The EDL has several security features, including an icon on the front of the card indicating that it is an EDL, a machine-readable zone like a barcode on the back, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag contains a unique reference number that is read by an RFID reader at border crossings, which then transmits the data to the Customs and Border Protection network for verification. This technology helps speed up identification checks when entering the United States.
In summary, while international students in Washington state may not be eligible for an EDL, they can still use other forms of identification, such as a standard driver's license or ID card, for most types of US travel, except for domestic air travel, which requires a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
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EDLs can be used for land and sea entry to the US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a secure, state-issued document that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border by land or sea. Washington, Vermont, New York, and Michigan are among the states issuing EDLs to their residents.
EDLs can be used by U.S. citizens for land and sea entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. They are an alternative to a passport and facilitate the entry process with features such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip and machine-readable zones. These features allow border agents to scan the card, similar to a passport, speeding up identification checks at border crossings.
It is important to note that EDLs are not accepted for international air travel. However, they can be used for identification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoints for domestic air travel within the United States. Additionally, EDLs serve as valid driver's licenses and are acceptable REAL ID documents for air travel within the country.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) establishes the document requirements for travel by land or sea into the United States from the specified regions. It aims to strengthen border security and facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers. While EDLs provide a convenient option for U.S. citizens, non-U.S. citizens should refer to WHTI guidelines for the specific travel documents required for their entry into the United States.
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To obtain an EDL, you must be a US citizen and provide a Social Security number and proof of citizenship
To obtain an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) in Washington state, you must be a US citizen and provide a Social Security number and proof of citizenship. An EDL is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and citizenship. It meets federal requirements under REAL ID and is an approved alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the US at land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
The EDL is also valid for domestic air travel within the US and can be used as a standard driver's license. However, it is not valid for any other form of international travel, including air travel to and from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. It is important to note that an EDL is not the same as a REAL ID card offered by many other states, which bears a star marking. Instead, the EDL/EID bears a US flag marking.
The cost of obtaining an EDL in Washington state varies depending on whether you are purchasing a new license or upgrading a current driver's license. The process of obtaining an EDL involves providing the necessary documentation, including proof of citizenship and identity, as well as proof of Washington state residency. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses and identification cards for people residing in Washington state.
While an EDL is a convenient option for US citizens who frequently travel within North America and the Caribbean, it is not a suitable option for those who are not US citizens, including international students. International students who plan to drive in Washington should refer to the Washington DOL website for information on obtaining a standard driver's license or using their license from their home country for a temporary period. It is worth noting that a standard driver's license or ID card in Washington does not require US citizenship and can be used for most activities within the state, such as driving, banking, and proving one's age.
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Frequently asked questions
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a REAL ID-compliant form of identification that confirms your identity and U.S. citizenship. It can be used for domestic air travel and to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.
Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency to obtain an EDL in Washington.
No, international students cannot obtain an EDL in Washington because it requires U.S. citizenship. However, they may be able to obtain a standard driver's license or ID card, which does not require U.S. citizenship.
An EDL can be used for domestic air travel and as a form of identification for activities such as banking, proving your age, and domestic travel. It is also an acceptable REAL ID document for air travel within the United States and can be used as an alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders.
To obtain an EDL in Washington, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Washington state residency. The cost of obtaining an EDL varies depending on whether you are purchasing a new license or upgrading a current driver's license. You can visit the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website for more information and instructions.
