What a Washington Advanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One
A Washington Advanced Driver's License (ADL) is a state ID that proves both your identity and lawful presence in the United States. It looks like a standard driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. You will need an ADL if you want to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain military installations without a passport or other federal ID.
Washington began issuing ADLs in 2009 to comply with the federal REAL ID Act, which set security standards for state-issued IDs. If you have a regular Washington driver's license or ID card, you can upgrade to an ADL. You do not have to — a standard license still works for driving and most everyday purposes — but federal facilities and airlines now require one or the other.
The main difference between an ADL and a standard license is the proof of citizenship or lawful presence you must show when you explore. A standard license does not require that proof, which is why some people hold a standard license instead.
Key Takeaways
- An ADL requires you to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, while a standard Washington license does not.
- You will need an ADL to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings without a passport starting May 7, 2025.
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document, plus proof of your current address and Social Security number.
- The process takes about 30 minutes at a Department of Licensing office, and the card arrives by mail in roughly two weeks.
- An ADL costs the same as a standard license renewal and is valid for eight years if you are under 65.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing
The Washington Department of Licensing requires specific documents to prove your identity, citizenship, and current address. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count. You will need one document from each of these three categories.
Proof of citizenship or lawful presence: An original or certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). If your birth certificate is a short form, bring the long form instead — the short form does not include enough information. If you were born outside the U.S., a passport or naturalization document is your best option.
Proof of current address: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. It must show your name and current Washington address. A cell phone bill usually does not work. If you have moved recently and your documents still show an old address, bring the new one and explain the situation at the office.
Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get an ADL — you would need to explore for a standard license instead.
how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office
Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the state website at dol.wa.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead can save you a wait.
Bring all three categories of documents listed above, your current driver's license or ID card if you have one, and your completed process form DL 44. You can fill out the form at home before you go, or the office staff will help you fill it out on site. The staff will take your photo and fingerprints at the office.
The process itself takes about 30 minutes. You will pay a fee — the cost is the same whether you are renewing a standard license or upgrading to an ADL. Fees vary slightly by county but typically run between $60 and $80 for an eight-year license if you are under 65. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years and costs less.
After you submit your process, the Department of Licensing will mail your new ADL card to the address you provided. It usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your process online using your driver's license number.
What Happens If You Cannot Prove Citizenship
If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document, you cannot get an ADL. You have two options: get a standard Washington driver's license instead, or obtain the missing citizenship document first.
A standard Washington license works for driving and most ID purposes. The only places it will not work are federal buildings, airports, and military installations — places that now require an ADL or passport. If you rarely travel by air or visit federal facilities, a standard license may be sufficient for your needs.
If you want an ADL, you will need to obtain proof of citizenship. If you were born in the U.S., you can order a certified birth certificate from the state vital records office where you were born. The process takes a few weeks and costs $15 to $30 depending on the state. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport or Certificate of Naturalization, which also take time to obtain through federal channels.
Renewing or Replacing Your Advanced Driver's License
When your ADL expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Renewal by mail or online is faster and does not require you to bring documents again — the state already has your information on file. You will pay the renewal fee, which is the same as the original fee.
If your ADL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current ID if you have one, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring citizenship documents again because the state has already verified that information. A replacement card costs less than a full renewal and arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you change your name, address, or other information on your license, you must update it at a Department of Licensing office. Bring documents that prove the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change. The update is usually free if your license is not expiring soon.
Differences Between an Advanced Driver's License and a Standard License
The main difference is what you must prove to get one. An ADL requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. A standard Washington license does not — you can get one with just a valid ID and proof of address, regardless of citizenship status. Both licenses work for driving in Washington and most everyday purposes.
An ADL has a gold star in the upper right corner, which signals to airport staff and federal security that you have already been verified. A standard license has no star. Starting May 7, 2025, federal law requires an ADL or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard license will no longer work for those purposes, though it remains valid for driving.
The cost and validity period are the same for both. An ADL is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and five years if you are 65 or older. A standard license has the same validity periods. Both require renewal before they expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Advanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. An ADL requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (a green card). If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can get an ADL by bringing your green card and the other required documents. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you can get a standard Washington driver's license instead.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
A foreign birth certificate does not work for an ADL. You will need a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S. and became a citizen, explore for a Certificate of Naturalization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or get a U.S. passport through the State Department.
Can I renew my Advanced Driver's License online?
Yes, if your ADL is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. You can renew online at dol.wa.gov. If your license is expired or you need to update your information, you must renew in person or by mail.
How long does it take to get an Advanced Driver's License?
The process at the office takes about 30 minutes. The card arrives by mail in roughly two weeks. If you need it faster, some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, though this is not always available. Check with your local office about rush options.
Do I need an Advanced Driver's License to drive in Washington?
No. A standard Washington driver's license is sufficient for driving. An ADL is only required if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. For driving purposes alone, either license works the same way.