• IamSparticles@lemmy.zip
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    7 days ago

    Not sure how they’re handling this in other states, but here in WA, to get a Real ID compliant driver’s license you have to pay $116 for the first 5 years. I think it’s a bit less to renew once you’ve been through the application process. Or I can pay $130 to get my passport renewed and it’s good for 10 years. That covers both domestic and international flights. So I don’t really see the point of also getting a Real ID if you already have a passport. And honestly, even if you don’t plan to travel international any time soon, the passport is probably still a better deal in the long run.

    • QuarterSwede@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Colorado rolled out Real ID in 2012 (one of the first states) and there is no extra fee. If you’re eligible here you get a compliant ID or drivers license. Current cost is $30.87 for 3 years for most drivers.

      • IamSparticles@lemmy.zip
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        6 days ago

        Are you sure that’s an Enhanced Driver’s License (EID)? That sounds like the standard renewal fee for a regular driver’s license, which doesn’t meet the Real ID requirements. To get the EID you have to go through a whole different application process that requires proof of citizenship. You can find the fee schedule here: https://dol.wa.gov/id-cards/enhanced-id-card-eid/get-enhanced-id-card-eid

        Those fees are in addition to the normal driver’s license fees.

        • uuldika@lemmy.ml
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          6 days ago

          it’s an enhanced driver’s license. I showed my passport and everything. if you look ar that fee schedule, I paid the “upgrade” fee ($7) because I already had a regular driver’s license, and it expires two years from now, so $7*2=$14.

    • LimeZest@discuss.tchncs.de
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      7 days ago

      That is expensive! In Texas it is $33 for a standard driver’s license and lasts 8 years. All these recommendations to get a passport card make a lot more sense now. I was confused at first because passports here are way less affordable than a driver’s license and you can’t drive with a passport, so you still need that driver’s license in a car-centric state. Real ID started rolling out in 2012 so people have really been dragging their feet if they still don’t have one. I don’t think you can get a driver’s license or ID card here without Real ID. Also stores that sell alcohol don’t take a passport here either, so you need a state ID if you want to drink.