What an Enhanced Washington Driver's License Is and Who Needs One
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a regular driver's license with extra security features and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It costs more than a standard license and takes longer to get, but it lets you cross the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico borders by land or sea without a passport.
You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. You need one only if you want to travel to Canada or Mexico by car, boat, or foot without carrying a passport book. If you fly to another country, you still need a passport — the EDL does not replace it.
Washington offers the EDL to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get an EDL, though you can get a standard Washington driver's license if you meet other requirements.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License proves citizenship or lawful permanent residency and allows land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico without a passport.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship status, and pass the written and driving tests.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license — the fee varies depending on whether you are renewing or getting a new license — and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
- You explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office and must bring original documents; copies are not accepted for citizenship proof.
- If you already have a standard Washington driver's license, you can upgrade to an EDL without retaking the tests, though you will still need to visit an office and provide citizenship documents.
Documents You Must Bring to explore
Washington requires you to bring original documents — not copies — to prove your identity, residency, and citizenship status. Bring all three categories or your process will be rejected on the spot.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card. A driver's license alone is not enough for this step.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
For proof of citizenship or permanent residency, bring one of these originals: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a valid Permanent Resident Card (green card), or a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a permanent resident notation. If you are a green card holder, bring the card itself. Copies, even certified ones, are not accepted for this step.
how the process works at a Washington Department of Licensing Office
You must explore in person. You cannot explore by mail or online. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website, find the office nearest you, and check its hours — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days.
Bring your original documents, your current driver's license (if you have one), and your Social Security number. You will fill out an process form at the office. If you already hold a valid Washington driver's license, you do not need to retake the written or driving tests; you can upgrade directly to an EDL.
If you do not yet have a Washington driver's license, you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving test before you can get an EDL. The office staff will tell you whether you take both tests that day or schedule them separately.
The office will take your photo and process your process on the spot. You will pay the fee at that time. Your EDL will be mailed to your Washington address within about two weeks.
Cost and Renewal Timeline
The fee for an Enhanced Driver's License varies depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one. A new EDL costs more than upgrading from a standard license. Washington's Department of Licensing website lists current fees, which change periodically.
An EDL is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, the same as a standard Washington driver's license. When it expires, you can renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail if you meet certain conditions — for example, if your address and name have not changed and you are still a citizen or permanent resident.
If you renew by mail, you will still need to provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency again. The office will send you renewal forms and instructions if you are may be able to access to renew by mail.
Upgrading from a Standard Washington License to an EDL
If you already have a valid Washington driver's license and want to upgrade to an EDL, you do not need to retake any tests. You go to a Department of Licensing office, bring your citizenship or permanent residency documents, and pay the upgrade fee.
The upgrade fee is less than the cost of a brand-new EDL. You will receive a new card in the mail within about two weeks. Your old license will no longer be valid once the new EDL arrives.
You can upgrade at any time before your current license expires. If your license is already expired, you will need to renew it first, which may require retaking tests depending on how long it has been expired.
What Happens If You Cannot Prove Citizenship
If you are a lawful permanent resident but do not have your green card with you, or if your card is lost or expired, you can still explore for an EDL. Bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a permanent resident notation, or bring a copy of your green card receipt notice (Form I-797) along with your Social Security card and birth certificate.
If you have lost your green card and do not have a receipt notice, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a replacement before you explore for the EDL. The Department of Licensing will not issue an EDL without proof of permanent residency.
If you are not yet a citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get an EDL. You can get a standard Washington driver's license if you meet the state's other requirements, but you will need a passport to cross international borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly to Canada or Mexico?
No. An EDL is only for land and sea border crossings. If you fly to another country, you must have a valid passport book or passport card. The EDL cannot replace a passport for air travel.
What if my citizenship documents are from another country?
You must have a U.S. document proving citizenship or permanent residency. A Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or valid green card are the documents Washington accepts. Foreign birth certificates or passports are not enough on their own.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License after I explore?
The card is mailed to your address within about two weeks of your process. You cannot pick it up at the office. If you need to travel sooner, you may be able to get a temporary paper license at the office, but ask the staff whether that option is available.
Do I need to renew my EDL in person?
Not always. If your address and name have not changed and you still meet citizenship requirements, you may renew by mail. The Department of Licensing will send you renewal forms if you are may be able to access. If anything has changed, you will need to renew in person.
What if I lose my Enhanced Driver's License?
Report it to the Washington Department of Licensing right away. You can request a replacement in person at any office. Bring your citizenship documents again. The replacement fee is less than the original EDL fee, and your new card will arrive by mail within about two weeks.