Some Washington driver’s licenses will have a new look starting July 1st as a result of the state’s decision to find a way to comply with the federal Real ID law.
Standard licenses and identification cards will carry an additional “Federal Limits Apply” notification in the upper right corner, meaning that while the driver’s license is good for standard identification as well as operating a motor vehicle, it won’t pass muster at a federal facility that requires federal ID, and isn’t proper identification for crossing an international border.
The Washington Department of Licensing says the ID will be acceptable identification for domestic air travel through September 2020 after the Legislature agreed to put notification starting next month on new standard licenses and state-issued ID cards. Neither of those state-issued cards require proof that the applicant is a legal resident of the state. Standard licenses issued before July 1st will still be accepted also until that deadline, even if they don’t have the statement.
At the same time, lawmakers lowered the price of an enhanced driver’s license or ID card, which requires that proof and has enhanced security features, to $78 for six years. Those licenses can be used for driving and standard ID, as well for boarding a plane after September 30th, 2020, entry into certain federal facilities, and at border crossings.
Congress passed the Real ID law in 2005 in response to the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, but a coalition of legislators fought making Washington comply until last year. (Spokesman-Review)
