What a Washington Advanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

Washington's Advanced Driver's License (ADL) is a state ID that meets federal Real ID standards and works for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military bases without a passport. It looks like a standard Washington driver's license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner and costs more to obtain. You do not need one to drive — a regular Washington license works for that. You need an ADL only if you plan to fly domestically within the United States or enter a federal facility that requires Real ID compliance.

Washington began issuing ADLs in 2009 as a way to let residents meet federal travel requirements without getting a passport. The federal government set a important date of May 7, 2025, after which a regular driver's license alone will not work for domestic flights or federal building entry. If you fly or visit federal sites regularly, an ADL removes the need to carry a passport as your second form of ID.

Key Takeaways

  • An Advanced Driver's License costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents proving citizenship and state residency.
  • You must provide an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Washington address.
  • The ADL is valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older, the same as a standard license.
  • You can renew an ADL by mail if you have not changed your name, address, or medical status, which saves a trip to the licensing office.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Licensing Office

Washington requires specific documents to prove citizenship and identity before issuing an ADL. Bring an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and two documents proving your current Washington address. Address documents can include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card counts as one of your address documents if it shows your current address.

You will also need to bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing an ADL, bring the card itself. If you are upgrading from a standard license to an ADL, bring your standard license. Bring your Social Security card in person — you cannot mail it or use a photocopy. The licensing office will not accept a Social Security statement or tax document as a substitute.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

An Advanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license. As of 2024, an ADL costs approximately $20 to $30 more than a standard eight-year license, depending on whether you are renewing or getting one for the first time. Exact fees change annually, so check the Washington Department of Licensing website before you go to confirm the current price for your situation.

Processing time at the licensing office is usually the same day if you visit in person and have all required documents. The physical card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you mail in a renewal process (available only if your information has not changed), processing takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives your process. Plan ahead if you have an upcoming flight — do not wait until the week before to explore.

how the process works in Person at a Licensing Office

Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your documents and completed process. You can find office locations and hours on the Department of Licensing website. Bring the documents listed above, your current license or ID, and a completed process for Washington Driver License or Identicard (form DL 44). You can fill this out at home before you go or at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and signature.

At the office, staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your process on the spot. You will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your ADL card is printed and mailed. Keep this temporary license with you until the card arrives. If you need to fly before the card arrives, bring the temporary license and your passport or birth certificate to the airport.

Renewing Your ADL by Mail

If your name, address, and medical status have not changed since your last ADL was issued, you can renew by mail without visiting a licensing office. read the renewal process from the Department of Licensing website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include a photocopy of your current ADL card (front and back). Do not send your original card or Social Security card.

Mail your process to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives it. Your new ADL card will arrive by mail. If your name or address has changed, or if you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person at a licensing office instead of by mail.

When You Cannot Use an ADL for Travel

An Advanced Driver's License works for domestic flights and federal building entry but not for international travel. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or any country outside the United States, you must bring a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license — an ADL alone is not enough. The same applies to cruise ship travel that leaves from a U.S. port and returns to a U.S. port; some cruise lines accept an ADL, but others require a passport, so check with your cruise line before booking.

An ADL also does not replace a passport for any purpose other than domestic U.S. travel and federal building access. If you need to prove citizenship for employment, immigration, or other legal purposes, you still need your birth certificate or passport. The ADL is a travel and access document, not a citizenship document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Advanced Driver's License if I was not born in the United States?

Yes. You need a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born, plus proof of U.S. citizenship (naturalization certificate, passport, or certificate of citizenship). Bring these documents to a licensing office along with your Social Security card and address proof. The office staff will verify your citizenship documents before issuing the ADL.

What happens if my ADL expires while I am traveling?

An expired ADL will not work for airport security or federal building entry. Renew before your expiration date. If your ADL expires while you are out of state, you can still use it to return home on your flight, but do not rely on this — renew before you travel. Once you are home, renew by mail or in person at a licensing office.

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 or any other state. An ADL is only for domestic air travel and federal building access. If you never fly domestically or visit federal facilities, a standard license is sufficient.

Can I upgrade my standard license to an ADL without getting a new photo?

No. You must visit a licensing office in person for a new photo when you upgrade to an ADL. The office will take a new photo as part of the process process. You cannot upgrade by mail or online.

What if I lose my Advanced Driver's License?

Report the loss to the Washington Department of Licensing and request a replacement. You can do this in person at any licensing office or by mail. A replacement ADL costs less than a new license and arrives within one to two weeks. Bring your Social Security card and address proof if you explore in person.