What an Advanced Driver's License Is

An Advanced Driver's License (ADL) in Washington State is a standard driver's license with an extra security feature: a gold star in the upper right corner. That star means you have passed additional identity verification beyond what a regular license requires. It does not give you any special driving privileges or exemptions — it is purely an identity document.

The gold star matters because starting May 7, 2025, you will need either an ADL, a passport, a passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have one of these documents by that date, you cannot use a standard driver's license for those purposes, even though you can still drive with it.

Washington State calls this the ADL to distinguish it from the federal REAL ID standard. They are not the same thing, though both serve the same purpose for federal access. Washington's ADL is one way to meet the requirement; a REAL ID license is another.

Key Takeaways

  • An Advanced Driver's License is a Washington driver's license with a gold star that proves you passed extra identity checks and can be used for federal building entry and domestic flights.
  • You need either an ADL, REAL ID license, passport, or passport card to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025.
  • Getting an ADL requires you to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency in person to a Department of Licensing office.
  • An ADL costs the same as a regular Washington driver's license and lasts eight years for adults under 65.
  • You cannot get an ADL by mail or online; you must appear in person at a licensing office.

Documents You Need to Bring

Washington requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies do not work. You will need to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your Washington residency.

For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, passport book, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you were born outside the U.S., the document must be certified by the issuing agency or a court.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The document must show your full name and full nine-digit Social Security number.

For Washington residency, bring one document dated within the last 12 months showing your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, vehicle registration, or insurance policy. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

how the process works in Person

You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person. You cannot start an ADL process online or by mail. Find your nearest office and check its hours on the Washington Department of Licensing website, because some offices have limited hours or require appointments.

Bring all your documents, your current driver's license or ID, and payment. The fee is the same as renewing a regular driver's license — currently $72 for eight years for adults under 65, though this amount can change. Pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office.

At the office, staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your ADL will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though it can take longer during busy periods.

ADL vs. REAL ID: Which One to Get

Both an ADL and a REAL ID license meet the federal requirement for flights and federal buildings. The difference is in how Washington issues them and what the card looks like.

An ADL has a gold star and requires you to bring original identity documents in person. A REAL ID license has a gold star and a federal eagle symbol and also requires original documents in person. Both cost the same and last the same length of time.

The practical choice comes down to which one your local licensing office processes faster or which one you prefer to carry. Some people choose an ADL because they already have a passport for international travel and do not need the federal eagle marking. Others choose REAL ID because it is more widely recognized. Either one works for domestic flights and federal building access starting May 7, 2025.

If you already have a standard Washington driver's license without a star, you cannot upgrade it to an ADL or REAL ID by mail. You must renew it in person and request the ADL or REAL ID version at that time.

Timeline and What to Expect

The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will leave with a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. Your physical ADL card will arrive in the mail.

Processing time is typically 7 to 10 business days, but during peak renewal periods (around holidays or near the May 2025 important date), it can stretch to three to four weeks. If you need your ADL before a specific date — such as before a flight — plan ahead and visit early.

If your ADL does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status. You can drive with your temporary paper license until the card arrives.

If You Cannot Appear in Person

Washington does not offer exceptions to the in-person requirement for ADL applications. If you are unable to visit a licensing office yourself, an authorized representative can explore on your behalf, but you must still appear in person at some point to have your photograph taken and verify your identity.

If you are homebound or have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling to an office, contact your local Department of Licensing office to ask about accommodations. Some offices may be able to arrange a mobile visit or other options, though this is not may provide and varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ADL if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, non-suspended driver's license or ID to explore for an ADL. If your license is suspended, you need to resolve that first through the Department of Licensing or the court system, depending on the reason for suspension.

Do I need an ADL if I have a passport?

No. A passport, passport card, or passport book is accepted for domestic flights and federal building entry. You only need an ADL if you prefer not to carry your passport for everyday identification or if you want a state ID that serves the same purpose.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get an ADL. Bring a certified birth certificate from the country where you were born, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. The document must be certified by the issuing agency or a court — a photocopy will not work.

How long does an ADL last?

An ADL lasts eight years for adults under 65, five years for adults 65 and older, and five years for anyone with a medical condition that requires more frequent renewal. You renew it the same way you got it: in person at a Department of Licensing office with your documents.

Can I renew my ADL by mail?

No. All ADL renewals require an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew by mail, online, or through a third-party vendor, even if your current ADL is not expired.