Are You Prepared for Domestic Travel in 2025?

UPDATED 12/5/2022: The deadline has been extended again to May 7, 2025. It was originally due in October 2021, but the pandemic pushed it out to May 2023. It has now been pushed out another two years.

There was a recent study done by the U.S. Travel Association last month that determined that an estimated 99 million Americans are NOT PREPARED for the upcoming enforcement of the READ ID act on Oct 1, 2021 (now pushed out to May 7, 2025). This act requires all travelers to have a REAL ID compliant identification. We touched on this topic a few years ago with our post “Your REAL ID Questions Answered” so this is our follow up to that post.

Don’t have a REAL ID form of identification? You will need a passport (or other acceptable form of ID) to travel by air anywhere inside the USA.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

TSA’s official statement from their website

What Does This Mean For Me?

In Washington state, it means you will need either an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC). There are other acceptable IDs like a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), U.S. Military ID, U.S. Passport Book/Card, etc. For a full list, visit the TSA’s website.

As your Travel Advisor, we recommend that you upgrade your driver’s licence/ID to the EDL/EIC unless you already have one of the acceptable forms of identification. The Enhanced card is an easy and convenient READ ID compliant identification to carry around with you. Or, you can just get in the habit of bringing your passport book with you anytime you head to the airport but that might be more inconvenient than just upgrading your WA Driver’s License/ID to an Enhanced one.

Passport Book vs Card

Some people think a passport card is the way to go, but it is NOT what we recommend. Check out this passport book vs card chart from the U.S. Department of State’s website. The card is very limited and is not valid for international air travel. The cost of a passport card is $65 and to the cost to get a WA Enhanced card/license is only $24 more than a regular one. If you just renewed your WA ID card/license, you can upgrade it to an EDL/EIC for only $4 per year left on your card. It is a much more reasonable option than getting some of the other REAL ID compliant options.

So, the bottom line. If you want to travel domestically after May 7, 2025, then you need to upgrade your WA State ID to an Enhanced ID.

Just think about this… If you want to visit your mom in California on May 7, 2025, then your regular driver’s license will no longer be a valid form of identification at the airport and you will be turned away. You will lose all money paid for your airline ticket! There is no insurance that will cover this as it is the traveler’s responsibility to have valid identification.

Is My Identification REAL ID Compliant?

REAL ID Examples
REAL ID Examples

This is one of the most confusing aspects of this act. In general, most IDs have some sort of star at the top corner of the ID (see above image). However, for a Washington state ID or driver’s licence, they will have a U.S. flag somewhere near your photo (see below image).

TOP: Enhanced WA ID ~ BOTTOM: Regular WA ID

What Do I Need?

We can only give you some rough guidance but you should familiarize yourself with the Washington State Department of Licencing website for all the details.

First of all, give yourself plenty of time to gather all the required documents needed to apply for an EID/EDL. There are several documents you will need to bring with you and many require originals and not copies. You will need to determine proof of citizenship, identity, and residence. Some of these categories need 2 documents of proof so read carefully what is required! You will also need proof of your social security number and of course, the money to pay for the fee.

Give yourself at least 1 hour at the DMV to apply for the Enhanced ID and in 2-3 weeks you will have your new REAL ID compliant identification!

39 Comments

  1. Danial Viloria on March 29, 2021 at 1:44 am

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am going through problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  2. Daryl Equils on April 1, 2021 at 12:18 am

    Great post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.

  3. Proxies For Scrapebox on April 8, 2021 at 5:37 pm

    Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  4. Artvenzor on May 3, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    Do i need proof of corona-19 test to fly within the US in Delta airlines?

  5. Eliana Bolton on May 4, 2021 at 9:13 am

    Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

  6. Alfonso Tansley on July 17, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!

  7. Casimira on August 11, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    I think the admin of this web site is actually working hard in support of his web page, because
    here every information is quality based information.

  8. Mirta on August 11, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info
    for my mission.

  9. Derek Grabler on August 16, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  10. Cheap on August 17, 2021 at 11:51 am

    It’s hard to search out educated people on this topic, however you sound like you understand what you’re speaking about! Thanks

  11. kklisures123 on August 27, 2021 at 6:09 am

    Hello. And Bye.

  12. manhwaland on August 31, 2021 at 11:19 pm

    I really like and appreciate your article.Really thank you! Fantastic.

  13. For Facebook on September 8, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Of course, what a fantastic blog and enlightening posts, I surely will bookmark your site.Have an awsome day!

  14. Steffen on September 12, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going
    through many of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be book-marking it
    and checking back regularly!

  15. zortilonrel on September 24, 2021 at 8:56 am

    Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to know so much approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you just could do with some p.c. to power the message home a bit, however instead of that, that is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

  16. Lola on November 4, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.

    Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will
    be thankful to you.

  17. Shara Better on November 13, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Fantastic work!

  18. Mary on November 15, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire
    in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing
    to your augment and even I achievement you access
    consistently fast.

  19. Dee on November 16, 2021 at 11:42 am

    Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading
    it, you will be a great author. I will be sure to
    bookmark your blog and may come back someday. I want to encourage you to
    definitely continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!

  20. Casey on December 13, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve performed a formidable job and our entire group will probably be thankful to you.

  21. Dennisfuh on December 21, 2021 at 7:56 am

    Hey there, I enjoy reading all of your content. I wanted to write a little comment to support you.

  22. Chun on December 26, 2021 at 11:36 am

    This is a topic which is close to my heart…
    Best wishes! Exactly where are your contact details though?

  23. Colby on December 27, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    Hi! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room
    mate! He always kept talking about this. I will
    forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good
    read. Many thanks for sharing!

  24. Harland Weisenfels on December 29, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. Cheers

  25. Lucas on January 25, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet visitors, its really really
    fastidious post on building up new website.

  26. imol on January 29, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.

  27. Order on January 29, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    I’d have to examine with you here. Which isn’t something I usually do! I take pleasure in studying a post that will make individuals think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  28. Wilfred on February 3, 2022 at 11:19 am

    Thanks for the marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
    you could be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually
    come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you continue your
    great work, have a nice afternoon!

  29. Ada on February 14, 2022 at 6:48 pm

    Truly no matter if someone doesn’t understand after that
    its up to other people that they will assist, so here it takes place.

  30. Van Emile on February 25, 2022 at 8:10 pm

    I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!

  31. Barry Washor on March 8, 2022 at 3:01 pm

    Always happy to follow new topics, thanks for your hard work. I think you manage to publish really exciting topics for your readers, that’s great. I have been reading you for a long time and will continue further. I thank the authors and editors for interesting topics. Sincerely, your reader.

  32. Roberto Linder on March 8, 2022 at 3:25 pm

    The topic of travel is very much in demand! Traveling is a great joy for every person! Thanks for the article!I agree with this information! Everything is great! The article helped me!

  33. Fabian Devick on March 8, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    I am surprised by what I read. It’s cool to learn about this on your resource, I will continue to follow your publications. I am happy to have found this information here, thanks to the authors for their work. Sincerely your audience

  34. Bethany Stapf on April 28, 2022 at 9:41 pm

    I savour, cause I found just what I used to be looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  35. best price on July 16, 2023 at 3:54 am

    Thank you for sharing this post. It is very informative.

Leave a Comment