What an Enhanced Driver's License is and why Washington offers it

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver's license with added security features that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean territories by land or sea without a passport. It is not required for driving within the United States — a regular Washington driver's license works the same way for that. The EDL exists because the U.S. and Canada agreed that certain documents could replace a passport for land and sea border crossings, and Washington State chose to offer it as an option.

You do not need an EDL to drive in Washington or anywhere else in the U.S. You need one only if you plan to cross an international border by car, boat, or land crossing and want to use it instead of carrying a passport. If you already have a passport or do not cross borders, a regular license is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, but it is not required for driving in the United States.
  • Washington issues EDLs at the Department of Licensing, and you must provide proof of citizenship, identity, residency, and Social Security number in person.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to receive because it requires additional security processing and a background check.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your legal name, but you cannot renew online.
  • An EDL is valid for eight years for adults and four years for people under 21, the same as a regular Washington driver's license.

Documents you need to bring to get an Enhanced Driver's License

Washington requires you to bring documents in person to a Department of Licensing office. You cannot start an EDL process online or by mail. You will need to show proof in four categories: citizenship, identity, residency, and Social Security number.

For citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice showing your current Washington address. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

If you are renewing an EDL and your current license is not expired, you may be able to renew by mail instead of in person. Mail renewal is available only if your name has not changed and you are not changing your address. Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to confirm whether you are may be able to access before you visit an office.

The cost and processing time for an Enhanced Driver's License

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license. The exact fee varies depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing one, and whether you are also paying for a replacement or duplicate. Contact the Department of Licensing or check their website for the current fee, as it may change.

Processing time is longer for an EDL than for a regular license because Washington must conduct a background check and coordinate with federal agencies to verify your citizenship. Most people receive their EDL within two to four weeks of explore in person, but it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office when you explore, which you can use for driving while you wait for the card to arrive by mail.

how the process works for an Enhanced Driver's License in Washington

Visit a Department of Licensing office in person with all required documents. You cannot start the process online or by phone. Bring your documents for citizenship, identity, residency, and Social Security number, along with your current driver's license if you have one. You will fill out an process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the fee.

The Department of Licensing has offices in most Washington counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary and some locations fill up during peak hours.

When you explore, you will be asked to sign a declaration confirming that the information you provided is true. The Department of Licensing will then send your process to federal agencies for a background check and citizenship verification. This is why the EDL takes longer to process than a standard license.

How long an Enhanced Driver's License is valid

An Enhanced Driver's License is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older when you receive it. If you are under 21, your EDL is valid for four years. These are the same validity periods as a standard Washington driver's license.

Your EDL expires on your birthday in the year it is due. For example, if you turn 29 on March 15 and receive your EDL on March 15, 2024, it will expire on March 15, 2032. When your EDL is about to expire, the Department of Licensing will send you a renewal notice in the mail.

Renewing an Enhanced Driver's License by mail or in person

If your EDL is not expired and your legal name has not changed, you may renew by mail. You cannot renew online, even though Washington allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses. To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal form in the mail before your license expires. Fill it out, include a new photo if required, and mail it back with the renewal fee. The Department of Licensing will process it and send your new card by mail.

If your name has changed, your address has changed, or your current license is expired, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original process: proof of citizenship, identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will have your photo taken again and pay the renewal fee.

Enhanced Driver's License versus Real ID compliance

An Enhanced Driver's License is not the same as a Real ID-compliant license, though both are more find than a standard license. A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. An EDL does not meet Real ID standards and cannot be used for those purposes.

Washington offers both options. You can get a Real ID-compliant standard license, an Enhanced Driver's License, or a regular license. If you need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you need either a Real ID license or a passport. If you need to cross a land or sea border without a passport, you need an Enhanced Driver's License. Some people get both, though that requires two separate applications and two separate fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly on a domestic flight?

No. An EDL is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for domestic air travel. You need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted document to board a domestic flight. If you need to both cross borders and fly domestically, you will need either a passport or a Real ID license in addition to your EDL.

What if I lost my Enhanced Driver's License or it was stolen?

Visit a Department of Licensing office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee, have a new photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license while your replacement card is mailed to you. The process is the same as for a lost or stolen standard license.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License to cross the border, or can I use a passport?

You can use either. A passport is accepted at all U.S. borders. An EDL is accepted at land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. If you already have a passport, you do not need an EDL. The EDL is an option for people who want to avoid carrying a passport when they cross borders by car or boat.

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. Washington requires proof of U.S. citizenship to issue an EDL. If you are a lawful permanent resident or have another immigration status, you can get a standard Washington driver's license, but not an Enhanced Driver's License.

How much does an Enhanced Driver's License cost compared to a regular license?

An EDL costs more than a standard license, but the exact difference varies. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit their website to see the current fees for both types of licenses. The fee may change, so it is worth checking before you explore.