What a Washington Advanced Driver's License Is
A Washington Advanced Driver's License (ADL) is a standard driver's license with extra security features that makes it acceptable as federal identification. You can use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases without needing a passport or Real ID card. It looks like a regular Washington license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner and enhanced anti-counterfeiting elements.
The Advanced Driver's License is different from a Real ID-compliant license. While both meet federal travel requirements, the ADL has additional security measures and is issued through a separate process. Washington has offered the ADL since 2009, and it remains a valid choice if you want federal-level identification without upgrading to Real ID.
You do not need an ADL to drive in Washington or any other state. It is purely optional and useful only if you plan to use your driver's license as federal identification for air travel or federal building access.
Key Takeaways
- An Advanced Driver's License includes a gold star and meets federal identification standards for domestic air travel and federal building entry.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or national and provide proof of citizenship, residency, and identity at the Department of Licensing office.
- The ADL process takes longer than a standard license renewal because of additional document verification and security checks.
- Washington also offers Real ID-compliant licenses as an alternative if you want federal identification without the ADL security features.
Who Can Get an Advanced Driver's License
You must be a U.S. citizen or national to get an Advanced Driver's License. Washington does not issue ADLs to permanent residents, visa holders, or other non-citizens, even if they are lawfully present in the state. This is a federal requirement tied to the security standards the ADL must meet.
You must also be a Washington resident and have a valid Social Security number. If you have never had a Washington driver's license, you will need to pass the written and road tests first—the ADL is not a separate license type you can start with, but an upgrade to a standard license you already hold.
If you are a U.S. citizen but do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to get an ADL. Contact your local Department of Licensing office to discuss your situation, as exceptions exist for certain circumstances.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring proof of citizenship first. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by a state or U.S. territory, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A passport card counts, but a passport book is preferred because it is harder to counterfeit.
You will also need proof of Washington residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within the last 60 days works. Your name must appear on the document. A bank statement or insurance policy also counts if it shows your current address.
Bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and one additional form of identity such as a military ID, tribal ID, or employee badge. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
how the process works at the Department of Licensing
Visit your local Department of Licensing office in person—you cannot explore for an ADL online or by mail. Bring all required documents listed above. The staff will verify your citizenship and residency documents, take a new photo, and collect your fingerprints as part of the enhanced security process.
You will pay a fee for the ADL. The cost varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or upgrading from a standard license, and how long you want the license to be valid. Ask the office staff for the current fee when you visit, as it may change.
Processing takes longer than a standard license renewal. Most ADLs are ready within 2 to 4 weeks, though it can take longer if additional verification is needed. The office will tell you when to expect your license and whether you can use a temporary permit in the meantime.
When Your Advanced Driver's License Expires
An Advanced Driver's License is valid for 8 years from the date of issue if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, it expires when you turn 21. You can renew it at any Department of Licensing office before it expires, and you will need to bring the same proof of citizenship and residency documents again.
If your ADL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any office. Bring your current license or ID card and proof of residency. A replacement usually costs less than a new license and is ready within 1 to 2 weeks.
Advanced Driver's License vs. Real ID License
Washington offers two paths to federal identification: the Advanced Driver's License and the Real ID-compliant license. Both allow you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. The main difference is the process process and the security features embedded in each card.
The ADL requires proof of citizenship and includes additional anti-counterfeiting elements. The Real ID license requires the same citizenship and residency documents but follows a slightly different verification process. Both are valid for 8 years. If you are not sure which one to choose, ask the staff at your local office—they can explain the differences and help you decide based on your needs.
If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to switch to an ADL. Both serve the same purpose for federal travel and building access. You would only switch if your Real ID expires and you prefer the ADL's security features, or if you straightforward want to upgrade before your current license expires.
What to Do If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen
If you are a permanent resident, visa holder, or other non-citizen, you cannot get an Advanced Driver's License. Washington law restricts ADLs to U.S. citizens and nationals only. You can still get a standard Washington driver's license or ID card, which is valid for driving and many everyday purposes.
If you need federal identification for air travel, you have other options. A valid passport from your country of origin works for domestic flights. Some non-citizens also use a passport card or a Trusted Traveler card like Global Entry or NEXUS if they are members. Contact your airline or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to confirm what documents they accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Advanced Driver's License online or by mail?
No. All ADL renewals and new applications must be done in person at a Department of Licensing office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship and residency again, even if you are renewing an existing ADL. However, if you are renewing a standard license and do not need the ADL, you can renew online or by mail.
What if my birth certificate does not say "certified"?
A certified birth certificate is required for an ADL. If your birth certificate is not certified, contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs a small fee. An uncertified copy will not be accepted.
Do I need an Advanced Driver's License to drive in Washington?
No. A standard Washington driver's license is all you need to drive legally in Washington and every other state. The ADL is only useful if you want to use your license as federal identification for air travel or federal building access. If you only drive and do not need federal ID, a regular license is sufficient.
Can I use my Advanced Driver's License as a Real ID?
Yes. The Advanced Driver's License meets all federal Real ID requirements and can be used anywhere a Real ID license is accepted. You do not need both—if you have an ADL, you already have federal identification.
What happens if I move out of Washington?
Your Advanced Driver's License remains valid in Washington and for federal identification purposes even if you move. However, you will need to get a new license from your new state if you want to drive there legally. You cannot transfer a Washington ADL to another state.