KGMI News
OLYMPIA, Wash (AP) – State lawmakers reached agreement on a two-tiered licensing system that brings the state into compliance with federal identification requirements.
State Senator Joe Fain produced a video to explain how it works.
“The lower tier would be conspicuously marked with a statement that it is not compliant for federal ID purposes. The upper tier would be the state’s existing enhanced ID…
“Since only US citizens can obtain an enhanced licence, both undocumented immigrants and legal resident aliens like visitors on work, school, or tourist visas, can only obtain a lower-tier licence if they wish to drive a car in Washington.”
The legislature approved the bill Thursday night.
It now heads to the Governor for his signature.
It ends a years-long struggle on how to best comply with the REAL ID Act.
The Act requires federally-recognized driver’s licenses and ID cards be issued only to people in the US legally.
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