Washington and the REAL ID Odyssey: Green Card Woes or Golden Ticket?
Hold onto your hats, green card holders in Washington, because the REAL ID saga continues! You might be wondering, can you, a legal resident with a permanent resident card (fancy name for a green card), navigate the treacherous waters of getting a REAL ID in the Evergreen State? Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep (or maybe just wade in the shallows) and answer this burning question.
Citizenship Check: Not the Quiz You Aced Back in the Day
Unfortunately, unlike that history quiz you aced because you totally studied all night (or maybe a friend helped you out, no judgment here!), getting a REAL ID in Washington as a green card holder isn't as straightforward. As of today, May 14, 2024, Washington only issues REAL ID compliant licenses, called Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs), to US citizens. So, for now, green card holders are out of luck on the EDL/EID front.
But Wait! There's More! (The Good Kind of More)
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
Don't fret just yet, green card comrades! The good news is that your trusty green card, along with a few other documents, will still be accepted for domestic flights come 2023, when REAL ID enforcement kicks in.Phew! Here's a handy list of what you can use to fly domestically:
- Your Green Card (of course!)
- A valid US passport (This is always a good option to have on hand)
- Military ID (For our brave service members)
- Several other government-issued IDs (Check the Department of Homeland Security website for the full list)
So, Can I Get a REAL ID in Washington Ever?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? The truth is, we don't have a crystal ball, but there is a chance things might change in the future. Washington might decide to offer REAL ID compliant options to green card holders down the line. Stay tuned for updates, folks!
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
How To FAQs:
How to Find Out What Documents I Can Use to Fly Domestically?
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The Department of Homeland Security website has a comprehensive list: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl/guide-enhanced-driver-licenses-edl
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
How to Apply for a US Passport (Just in Case)?
Head over to the US Department of State website for all the info: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
How to Stay Updated on Washington's REAL ID Situation?
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Keep an eye on the Washington State Department of Licensing website: https://dol.wa.gov/id-cards/real-id
How to Relax and Not Stress About All This?
Take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage), and know that you're not alone in this. There are plenty of resources available, and hey, at least you don't have to take that history quiz again!
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