43103. Washington State Identicard, Instruction Permit, and Personal Driver's License for Foster Youth

Applies To:  This policy applies to caseworkers.

Policy Number & Title:  43103. Washington State Identicard, Instruction Permit, and Personal Driver's License for Foster Youth

Effective Date:  December 19, 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to assist youth in obtaining a Washington State issued photo identification card prior to their 18th birthday. State issued photo identification helps youth with:

  • Participating in normal adolescent activities.
  • Preparing for adulthood.
  • Opening a bank account.
  • Applying for a job.
  • Obtaining housing.
  • Receiving a driving instruction permit or personal driver license.

Authority 

P.L. 113-183  Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act 
Chapter 13.34 RCW  Juvenile Court Act-Dependency and Termination of Parent-Child Relationship
RCW 46.20.117  Identicards
RCW 74.13.283  Washington state identicards-Foster youth
RCW 74.13.710  Out-of-home care-Childhood activities-Prudent parent standard

Policy

Caseworkers must assist:

  1. Youth with:
    1. Receiving a Washington State issued photo identification card prior to their 18th birthday if the youth is:
      1. Non-tribal.
      2. Tribal, but does not have a tribal enrollment identification card issued by a federally recognized tribe.
    2. Obtaining their Washington State identification card, instruction permit, personal driver license, enhanced from Department of Licensing (DOL) upon their request.
    3. Submitting required forms and documentation to DOL for approval.
    4. Physically obtaining their identicard once it’s available.
  2. Youth, caregivers, or Independent Living (IL) case managers by providing and explaining the DOL instructions for obtaining an identicard, instruction permit, or personal driver license.

Resources: 

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

Washington State Identicard, Instruction Permit, and Personal Driver's License for Foster Youth procedures (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, child welfare division policies & procedures)

Original Date:   June 12, 2008

Revised Date:  December 19, 2022

Review Date:  December 19, 2026

Approved by:  Frank Ordway, Chief of Staff