No license appointments until June at any DOL office in 100 miles of Tri-Cities
Real ID requirements take effect this week across the U.S.
For Tri-Cities residents hoping to secure any kind of new driver’s licenses — “REAL” or regular— it is nearly impossible to book an appointment with the Washington Department of Licensing as the May 7 deadline approaches.
There were no appointments at any licensing office within 100 miles of Tri-Cities before early June as the state processes a crush of last-minute applications.
“We are seeing an increase in demand,” said Thomas Charlson, DOL spokesman. State licensing offices processed 20,000 renewals in December 2024, and 58,000 in March.
Charlson said it expects to surpass that number in April when the final count comes in.
The backup affects all license-seekers, including those who just need an old-fashioned regular license and teens pursuing learner permits. Everyone is processed at the same counters, he said.
New REAL ID rules
Starting Wednesday, air travelers will need to present Real ID or enhanced driver’s license or other form of acceptable identification to TSA officials when they arrive at airport screening stations around the country.
They could still get through after added screening, but run the risk of missing their flights.
TSA is carrying out rules established by Congress in the 2005 Real ID Act after several delays while states complied with the new requirements..
Charlson advised license-seekers to sit tight if they can, and to keep checking the DOL website (dol.wa.gov/appointments-and-locations) to book appointments.
Appointments are booked 40 days out, meaning new appointments are added each day.
The department recommends checking the website for fresh openings every morning.
It’s also possible, in theory, to get a spot by visiting the office in person though the Kennewick office has reported long lines in the final days leading up to this week’s deadline. Many have stood in line in recent days, only to be turned away.
The office in Kennewick is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Charlson advised travelers in the meantime to use alternative forms of ID if they have them.
Accepted forms of ID for flights include valid U.S. passports or passport cards, military identification, foreign passports, federally recognized tribal-issued photo identification, border crossing cards and a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
The Tri-Cities Airport, operated by the Port of Pasco, advises air travelers who do not have the correct identification to arrive early to undergo added vetting by TSA.
The local TSA checkpoint typically opens two hours before flight times.
This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 12:25 PM.