Washington state has recently announced an increase in the cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license. The new fee, which will go into effect on January 1, 2022, is part of the state’s efforts to cover the costs associated with enhanced security features and technologies that have been implemented in the latest batch of licenses.
The cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license in Washington state is set to increase from the current $90 to $120. This means that Washington residents who are seeking to renew or obtain a new enhanced driver’s license will have to pay $30 more for the upgraded version. The increase in the cost of enhanced driver’s licenses comes after several years of discussion and planning by the Washington state Department of Licensing (DOL) to enhance the security features of its licenses.
According to officials from the DOL, the increase in the cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license is necessary to cover the expenses associated with the new security features that have been implemented in the latest batch of licenses. These enhanced security features include RFID technology, which allows for secure data transmission and authentication, as well as advanced holographic and watermarking techniques to prevent counterfeiting.
In addition to the new security features, the increased cost of enhanced driver’s licenses in Washington state will also help cover the costs of issuing the licenses and maintaining the infrastructure needed to produce and distribute them. This includes maintaining the facilities and equipment needed to print and personalize the licenses, training staff on the new security features, and updating the systems and processes used to issue the licenses.
While some residents may be disappointed by the increase in the cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license, officials from the DOL emphasize that the enhanced security features are necessary to protect against identity theft, fraud, and other forms of criminal activity. The new security features are designed to make it harder for counterfeiters to produce fake licenses, and to make it easier for law enforcement officials to verify the authenticity of a license.
In addition to the enhanced security features, the increased cost of enhanced driver’s licenses in Washington state will also help cover the costs of maintaining the state’s compliance with federal regulations. The REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and requires states to verify the identity of license holders and conduct background checks before issuing licenses.
In order to comply with the REAL ID Act, states must implement enhanced security features in their driver’s licenses, as well as upgrade their systems and processes for issuing and verifying licenses. The increased cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license in Washington state is part of the state’s efforts to meet these requirements and ensure that its licenses are compliant with federal regulations.
Overall, the increase in the cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license in Washington state reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing the security of its licenses and protecting its residents from identity theft and fraud. While some residents may be unhappy with the higher fee, officials from the DOL emphasize that the added security features and technologies are worth the investment, and will ultimately benefit all residents of the state.
