Washington driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Washington issues a standard driver license and ID card without requiring proof of legal presence. A standard credential “does not indicate a person’s residency or legal status,” so undocumented residents can apply. You provide a Social Security number or sign a declaration that you don’t have one. Here is exactly who qualifies, what to bring, what it costs, and what the card can and cannot do.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented driver-license access: YES — standard license/ID requires no proof of legal presence
  • Social Security number required: No — provide it, or sign a declaration that you don’t have one
  • Driver license fee: $111 for 6 years
  • State ID fee: $61 for 6 years (reduced-fee $5 if you qualify)
  • Card marking: “Federal Limits Apply” — not a REAL ID
  • Agency: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
  • Website: dol.wa.gov · Phone: 360-902-3900

Who can apply

Washington offers a standard driver license and ID card that, per the Department of Licensing, “do not indicate a person’s residency or legal status.” Because no proof of legal presence is required, undocumented residents and non-citizens without a Social Security number can apply. (A commercial driver license or an Enhanced credential has stricter requirements — see below.)

The Social Security number rule

When you apply for a standard driver license, you provide your Social Security number, or sign a declaration that you do not have one. You still must prove your identity with acceptable identity documents, such as a foreign passport.

What the standard license can and cannot do

Standard Washington licenses and ID cards have been marked “Federal Limits Apply” since July 2018. That means:

  • You can legally drive and use the card as identification within the state.
  • You cannot, since May 7, 2025, use it to board a domestic flight or enter most federal facilities. Use your passport or an Enhanced license for those.

The Enhanced Driver License (EDL) and Enhanced ID (EID) are Washington’s REAL ID-compliant cards. They prove U.S. citizenship, require a Social Security number and proof of citizenship, and are available only to U.S. citizens.

How to apply

  1. Gather acceptable proof of identity (for example, a foreign passport).
  2. Provide your Social Security number or sign the no-SSN declaration.
  3. Make an appointment at a driver licensing office.
  4. Pass the knowledge and driving tests (first-time drivers).
  5. Pay the fee — $111 for a six-year driver license, $61 for a six-year ID card (or $5 reduced-fee ID if you qualify).

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Washington State Department of Licensing — REAL ID, Documents for proof of identity, and Driver licensing fees.

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