What You Need to Know About Washington State's Advanced Driver's License

What an Advanced Driver's License Is and Who Can Get One

Washington State's Advanced Driver's License (ADL) is a real ID that proves both your identity and your lawful presence in the United States. It looks like a standard Washington driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner and the words "REAL ID" printed on it. You can use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases without needing a passport or other federal ID.

You can get an ADL if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a person with a valid visa or other lawful immigration status. Washington also allows certain people without lawful immigration status to get a standard driver's license (not the advanced version), but that is a separate process. The ADL is specifically for people who can prove their lawful presence.

The main reason to get an ADL instead of a regular Washington driver's license is that it meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. If you already have a passport, you may not need an ADL. But if you travel by air within the U.S. and do not have a passport, an ADL is the easiest way to meet the federal ID requirement.

Key Takeaways

An Advanced Driver's License is a Washington state ID with a gold star that meets federal requirements for domestic flights and federal building access.
You must prove your identity, Social Security number, and lawful presence in the United States to get one.
You will need to bring original or certified documents to a Department of Licensing office — copies and digital files are not accepted.
The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and the card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
An ADL costs the same as a regular Washington driver's license renewal and is valid for eight years.

Documents You Need to Bring

Washington requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images will not work. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Washington residency, and proof of lawful presence.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For Washington residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. For lawful presence, bring your passport, green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other immigration document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If you are renewing an ADL and your name has not changed, you may be able to renew by mail or online without bringing documents in person. Check the Washington Department of Licensing website to see if you are may be able to access for remote renewal.

How to Get an Advanced Driver's License in Person

Go to any Washington Department of Licensing office with your documents. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all original documents or certified copies — the staff will not accept photocopies.

At the office, you will fill out an process form (DL 44 for a new license or DL 43 for a renewal), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The fee for an ADL is the same as a regular Washington driver's license: currently $82 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. Bring a debit card or credit card, as not all offices accept cash.

The card itself arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use for domestic flights and federal building access while you wait for the plastic card.

Renewing Your Advanced Driver's License

If your ADL is expiring soon, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You are may be able to access for online renewal if your name has not changed, your address is current, and your license is not suspended or revoked.

To renew online, go to the Washington Department of Licensing website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the steps. You will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and your new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to bring documents for online renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by printing the process form from the Department of Licensing website, signing it, and mailing it with a check or money order. This takes longer than online renewal — usually four to six weeks total. If you prefer to renew in person, go to any Department of Licensing office with your documents.

What Happens If Your Information Changes

If you change your name, move to a new address, or need to update your photo, you must explore for a new ADL rather than renewing. Bring your documents to a Department of Licensing office and fill out a new process. The fee is the same as a renewal.

If you lose your ADL or it is stolen, report it to the Department of Licensing right away. You can explore for a replacement in person at any office. Bring your documents and pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license.

Using Your Advanced Driver's License for Travel and Federal Access

Once you have your ADL, you can use it to board domestic flights within the United States. Present it at the airport security checkpoint along with your boarding pass. You do not need a passport for domestic flights if you have an ADL.

You can also use your ADL to enter federal buildings, military bases, and other federal facilities that require a REAL ID. Some state and local government buildings also accept it. If a federal agency asks for ID, your ADL will meet that requirement for domestic purposes.

Your ADL does not work for international travel. If you are traveling outside the United States, you will need a passport, passport card, or other travel document issued by the U.S. State Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Advanced Driver's License if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Washington requires proof of a Social Security number to issue an ADL. If you do not have one, you can get a standard Washington driver's license instead, but it will not have the gold star and will not meet federal ID requirements for flights or federal buildings.

How long does it take to get an Advanced Driver's License?

The in-person appointment takes about 30 minutes. The card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that works for flights and federal access while you wait for the plastic card.

What if I moved to Washington from another state?

You can get a Washington ADL by going to any Department of Licensing office with your documents. You do not need to keep your old state's license. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, Washington residency, and lawful presence.

Is an Advanced Driver's License the same as a REAL ID?

Washington's Advanced Driver's License is a REAL ID. It meets the federal REAL ID Act requirements for domestic flights and federal building access. Some other states call their REAL ID a "REAL ID driver's license" or use different names, but they all have the gold star.

Can I renew my Advanced Driver's License online if I changed my name?

No. Online renewal is only for people whose name, address, and license status have not changed. If your name changed, you must explore for a new ADL in person or by mail with documents proving the name change.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.