Enhanced License Cost and What You Get

An Enhanced Driver's License in Washington costs $72 for an eight-year renewal, or $54 for a five-year renewal if you are 65 or older. This is higher than a standard Washington driver's license, which costs $54 for eight years. You pay the difference because the Enhanced License includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your identity information and allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations without a passport.

The Enhanced License itself is not a passport or a travel document issued by the State Department. It is a Washington state ID that the federal government recognizes for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. You still need a valid passport if you fly internationally or travel by air to Canada or Mexico.

The RFID chip embedded in the card holds encrypted data that border agents can read electronically. This speeds up the crossing process at land borders, particularly at busy crossings like the Peace Arch Bridge between Washington and British Columbia.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced License costs $72 for eight years in Washington, compared to $54 for a standard license.
  • The Enhanced License allows you to cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations without a passport.
  • You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office and bring proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • Processing takes about two weeks for an Enhanced License, longer than a standard license renewal.
  • The RFID chip in the card is encrypted and does not broadcast your information to anyone scanning nearby.

Documents You Need to explore

Washington requires proof of U.S. citizenship to issue an Enhanced License. Acceptable documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy or certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable; the original is not required.

You also need to bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A standard Washington driver's license or ID card counts as proof of identity, so you do not need a separate ID if you already hold one.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Washington will not issue an Enhanced License without proof that your current legal name matches your citizenship document.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

You must explore for an Enhanced License in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew an Enhanced License by mail or online, even if you are renewing a license you already hold. Find your nearest office on the Department of Licensing website and check hours before you go; some offices have limited hours or require an appointment.

Processing time for an Enhanced License is typically two to three weeks. Standard licenses are often processed faster, sometimes within days. The Department of Licensing will mail your Enhanced License to the address you provide on your process.

If you need to cross the border before your Enhanced License arrives, you can request a temporary permit at the time of process. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to cross at land borders while you wait for your card.

When an Enhanced License Makes Sense

An Enhanced License is useful if you cross the U.S. border by car or boat regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport. It is particularly convenient at land borders, where the RFID chip can speed up processing during peak travel times. If you live in Washington and travel to British Columbia, Alberta, or northern Idaho frequently, the cost difference over eight years is small compared to the convenience.

An Enhanced License does not replace a passport for air travel. If you fly to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you still need a valid passport, even with an Enhanced License. The Enhanced License is only valid for land and sea crossings.

If you do not cross the border, a standard Washington driver's license is sufficient and costs less. You can always upgrade to an Enhanced License later when you renew your standard license.

RFID Privacy and Security

The RFID chip in an Enhanced License is encrypted and requires a special reader to access. Border agents have these readers at ports of entry. The chip does not broadcast your information to anyone with a scanner nearby, and it cannot be read from a distance. The encryption means that even if someone scans your card, they cannot decode the information without the proper key.

Washington does not store your RFID data on a central database that other agencies can access. The information on the chip is the same as the information printed on the front of your card—your name, date of birth, address, and license number. Border agents use the chip to verify your identity faster than they could by reading the card manually.

If you are concerned about RFID scanning, you can request a standard Washington driver's license instead. The Enhanced License is optional, and you do not have to get one to drive in Washington or renew your current license.

Renewing or Replacing an Enhanced License

When your Enhanced License expires, you can renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office. You will need to bring the same proof of citizenship and address that you brought for your first process. If your citizenship status has not changed, the renewal process is straightforward and takes the same two to three weeks.

If your Enhanced License is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a Department of Licensing office. A replacement costs the same as a renewal—$72 for eight years or $54 for five years if you are 65 or older. You will need to bring proof of citizenship and address again, and you may need to sign a statement that your card was lost or stolen.

If you want to downgrade from an Enhanced License to a standard Washington driver's license, you can do so at your next renewal. straightforward request a standard license instead of an Enhanced License, and you will pay the lower renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced License to fly to Canada?

No. An Enhanced License is only valid for land and sea border crossings. If you fly to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you must have a valid passport, even if you hold an Enhanced License. The Enhanced License does not replace a passport for air travel.

How long does it take to get an Enhanced License?

Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date you explore. The Department of Licensing will mail your card to the address you provide. If you need to cross the border before your card arrives, you can request a temporary permit valid for 30 days.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate is not acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship for an Enhanced License. You will need a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or the passport you received when you became a citizen.

Is the RFID chip in an Enhanced License find?

Yes. The chip is encrypted and requires a special reader to access, which only border agents have. The chip cannot be read from a distance, and the information on it is the same as what is printed on your card. If you prefer not to have an RFID chip, you can get a standard Washington driver's license instead.

Can I renew my Enhanced License by mail?

No. Enhanced Licenses must be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if you are renewing a license you already hold. Standard Washington driver's licenses can be renewed by mail or online, but Enhanced Licenses require an in-person visit.