Washington driver license + state ID — without SSN options for immigrants

Washington driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Washington ALLOWS undocumented residents to obtain a driver license. Program: Standard Driver License (since 1993, no SSN requirement). No SSN required.

Quick answer

• Undocumented DL access: YES — undocumented residents can apply
• Program name: Standard Driver License (since 1993, no SSN requirement)
• State ID fee: $54 (6-year ID)
• DL fee: $112 (6-year DL)
• REAL ID compliant by default: no (Standard WA DL is non-Enhanced; Enhanced DL is REAL-ID compliant)
• Agency: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
• Website: dol.wa.gov
• Phone: (360) 902-3900

What you need to know

Washington has NEVER required SSN for standard DL — undocumented residents have always had access. Enhanced DL (EDL) requires US citizenship for federal ID + border crossing purposes; standard DL does not.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. To be REAL ID compliant (gold star on card), the ID can be used to:

• Board domestic flights (starting May 7, 2025 enforcement)
• Enter federal buildings
• Access secure federal facilities

Most undocumented-accessible DLs (AB60-equivalent, DPC, TVDL, etc.) are NOT REAL ID compliant. They explicitly state “Not For Federal Identification” or similar. They are valid for driving and many state purposes (banking with some institutions, state services, school enrollment) but cannot replace a passport for federal/flight purposes.

Documents typically required

• Foreign passport (current and valid) OR another approved primary identity document
• Secondary identity document (matricula consular, foreign driver license, foreign birth certificate translated, marriage certificate, etc.)
• ITIN or proof of tax filing (varies by state — required in some, optional in others)
• 2 proofs of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, pay stub with address)
• Application fee ($112 (6-year DL) for DL, $54 (6-year ID) for state ID)

How to apply

1. Make an appointment at your local Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office (most states require online booking; walk-ins are limited or unavailable)
2. Gather required documents per checklist above
3. Bring originals — copies are usually not accepted
4. Pay fees at the office (cash, credit/debit, or money order accepted at most locations)
5. Take written knowledge test + vision test (for first-time DL applicants)
6. Take road test (for first-time DL applicants — many states allow scheduling within 30 days)
7. Receive temporary paper license; permanent card mailed within 2-4 weeks

Alternatives if SSN required and you don’t have one

• Use foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with EAD), federal flights
• Get a matricula consular from your home country consulate (see Consulates by state)
• Use International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained from your home country BEFORE traveling — valid for tourists short-term
• ITIN-friendly bank account for opening accounts without SSN (see ITIN-friendly banks)
• Consider relocating to an AB60-equivalent state if regular driving is required (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA)

Related procedures

• DMV state ID directory — all 50 states
• ITIN-friendly banks
• Consulates in Washington — matricula consular
• What is an ITIN?
• Find immigration attorney
• Washington state tax guide

Last verified: 2026-05-25. Source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.